In elementary school, we learn about synonyms, and as adults, we tend to apply that to most words. However, when we dive deeper into what words mean and how they should be used, we find key differences.
Compulsive vs. impulsive is one of those instances. The difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior may surprise you. Read on to learn how to distinguish compulsive vs. impulsive and what it could mean for you.
What Does It Mean to Be Impulsive?
The simplest way to describe impulsivity is the act of doing without fully thinking through the result. When it comes to mental health, these impulsive decisions can put us in danger with how extreme they can be.
Impulse control disorders are commonly associated with cluster B personality disorders such as bipolar disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, or borderline personality disorder. We can also see impulse-control issues in ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), kleptomania, pyromania, substance abuse disorders, and other addiction-type disorders.
These impulsive actions are usually done to elicit some form of positive stimuli with little to no regard for the negative effects that will happen after it is done.
Examples of Impulsive Behaviors
There are many examples of impulsive behaviors. Again, when it comes to a non-mental disorder standpoint, this could be simply purchasing a little treat for yourself because it looked good. When it comes to impulsive disorders, however, the consequences are more extreme.
Taking part in risky sex, spending money needed for bills, explosive anger to start fights, and binge eating are all examples of impulsive behaviors. We also see impulsive behaviors when it comes to most addictions, like gambling.
Now, even though impulsive behaviors are often done without thought towards the negative consequences, that isn’t always true. A person with a disorder that involves impulsiveness might be very aware of the consequences, but ultimately the urges win.
What Is Compulsive Behavior?
Compulsive behavior is when a person does a repeated act to avoid a perceived negative outcome. These behaviors, most of the time, are purposeless and do not affect the outcome they are trying to avoid. Compulsive activities tend to be tedious or non-pleasurable and are purely done to prevent an even bigger negative outcome.
The most commonly known version of compulsive behavior is OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. These compulsive behaviors are done to bring a sense of relief and dispel anxiety. Compulsive behavior can also be in response to easing general anxiety, such as skin-picking or trichotillomania, which involves hair-pulling.
Examples of Compulsive Behaviors
In a way, compulsive behaviors are rituals we do to avoid a negative outcome. These can be seen in people without mental health disorders, like a ‘pre-game’ ritual to ensure victory. When it comes to mental health conditions such as OCD, however, these behaviors can become extremely tedious and annoying to the point where they affect one’s life in multiple ways.
While a lot of these compulsions are things we might all do on a daily basis, those with compulsive disorder overly repeat the behavior. Examples include deep cleaning one’s house or belongings every day or multiple times a day to avoid illness. Repeatedly checking that doors are locked, lights are off, and appliances are unplugged to the point of being late or not leaving at all. Doing behaviors in a repeated fashion, for example, having to open and close a door three times before entering. Or arranging and rearranging items to create a desired pattern.
With some of these behaviors, we can see what the person is trying to avoid, but others are more obscure. For example, counting to prevent a loved one’s death or a car accident.
What Is the Difference between Impulsive and Compulsive?
After reading the above, you can see how these two words differ, but let’s take a closer look. Compulsive vs. impulsive comes down to why we are doing the behavior, the amount of thought towards the outcome, and in what way it affects our lives. Impulsive actions are usually for a short-term reward and are akin to satisfying a need, while compulsive actions are not usually pleasurable and are done to prevent a future outcome.
We can also see this when we look at how people with these two disorders think of consequences. For someone who is impulsive, they either do not think of how this will affect them in the future or that thought does not stop them from doing it. Those with compulsive disorders overly think about the future and engage in these behaviors to stop that outcome, though their behaviors do not affect it.
Besides these differences, we see similar treatment options. CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, works on the learned pattern of unhelpful behaviors and helps people with either type of disorder to become aware of triggers. While the individual treatments under CBT might differ, compulsive vs. impulsive disorders have similar outcomes and solutions.
Can You Be Compulsive and Impulsive?
While the disorders associated with these two terms are different, it is possible to have multiple disorders or display multiple symptoms.
Compulsive vs. impulsive refers to why we are doing a certain action, but doesn’t mean that everything has to be purely one or the other. We typically see one become the other in the case of substance abuse. The impulse to use drugs or alcohol can turn into a compulsion after your body has become used to needing them every day. Since most long-term drug use will also leave the user feeling sick and experiencing intense cravings if they stop, it easily leads to continued action even if they no longer mentally desire it.
Though this is most easily seen with addiction, any compulsive or impulsive behavior can turn into the other. Impulses can turn compulsive when they become part of the routine or are needed even if the person no longer desires them. Compulsive can become impulsive when no longer done in the attempt to prevent a future action but now to gain short-term satisfaction.