Are there emerging treatments targeting impulsivity in ADHD?

PostedAugust 27, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD impulsivity treatment has evolved in recent years, with new therapies emerging that specifically target impulsive behaviours. Impulsivity is a core symptom of ADHD, leading to impulsive actions, decision-making, and emotional outbursts. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving quality of life, and recent research has brought forward promising treatment options.

New Therapies for Managing Impulsivity in ADHD

Here’s a look at some of the new therapies and treatment approaches designed to manage impulsive behaviour in ADHD:

Non-Stimulant Medications

While stimulant medications have traditionally been the go-to treatment for ADHD, non-stimulant medications are emerging as an effective alternative. Medications like atomoxetine and guanfacine are showing promise in targeting impulsivity without the potential side effects associated with stimulants. These medications work by affecting norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to regulate impulsive actions more effectively.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT for impulsivity is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for managing impulsive behaviour. By focusing on thought patterns and emotional regulation, CBT helps individuals recognise and control impulsive urges. This therapy can teach skills for better decision-making, patience, and emotional control, ultimately reducing the frequency of impulsive actions.

Digital Therapeutics

Emerging digital therapeutics such as ADHD-specific mobile apps are also being developed to address impulsivity. These apps provide real-time interventions and strategies for impulsive behaviour, offering reminders, tasks, and tools to help individuals pause, reflect, and make more deliberate decisions. They can serve as supplemental treatment, particularly for adults with ADHD, who may benefit from quick, accessible support.

Neurofeedback

Another cutting-edge approach is neurofeedback, which uses real-time brainwave monitoring to train the brain to self-regulate. By targeting brain activity patterns associated with impulsivity, neurofeedback offers a non-invasive method to help individuals gain control over their reactions and manage impulsivity more effectively.

In conclusion, ADHD impulsivity treatment is advancing through medications, new therapies, and digital tools that focus specifically on reducing impulsive behaviours. These emerging treatments provide individuals with more options to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Impulsivity in ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.