6: Managing Impulsive and Risky Behaviour – Episode 6 ‘ADHD, A Young Person’s Guide’

Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH)

DOI: 10.13056/acamh.21276
TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that this podcast discusses self-harm, substance abuse, sexual consent, and behaviours that can be described as impulsive or risky.

Hosted by Dr. Blandine French, this podcast series focuses on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and is designed to help young people and their families. We are delighted to produce this podcast series in partnership with Clinical Partners, the UK’s largest private mental health partnership.
This episode focuses on managing impulsive and risky behaviour, and Blandine is joined by Ruth Pearse, from Parenting Special Children. This podcast also features clips from two young adults, Emily and Alex, who share their lived experiences of ADHD, and managing impulsive and risky behaviour.
Alex sets the scene by providing insight into some of the impulsive behaviours that he has acted on, with Emily then sharing how her ADHD has also impacted her behaviour.
Ruth provides further insight into what risky behaviour and impulsivity means for teens and young adults with ADHD, including examples of the types of impulsive behaviours teens and young adults engage in. Emily and Alex then share what types of impulsive and risky behaviours that they feel their ADHD has led them to take part in.
Ruth and Blandine comment on substance use as a risky behaviour before turning to other risky behaviours that are typical of ADHD in young adults and young people, including risky behaviours concerning driving, with Alex sharing his lived experience.
Ruth further explores the mechanisms of impulse and risky behaviour, shares why young adults and teens can be more at risk, and comments on some of the more subtle ways that impulsivity can affect young people.
Ruth and Blandine then provide insight into the effects of ADHD on sex, before turning to explore ADHD and criminal behaviour, with a particular focus on the young adult population in prisons.
Furthermore, Ruth, Blandine, Alex and Emily turn to discuss the impact that risky behaviour and impulsivity can have on family relationships, including: how a young adult can recognize when they’re being impulsive; how they can create a support system which can help them stay safe and in control; what you can do as a parent when your child engages in risky behaviour, and how you can support them.
This podcast series for young people is supported by Clinical Partners. With the UK’s largest network of senior mental health professionals, Clinical Partners can help ensure your child has fast-tracked the right diagnosis and optimized treatment plan. For further information and advice for families and carers, search for Clinical Partners ADHD or visit their website.