Tourette’s and Impulsivity: Creating Space Between Impulse and Action
Impulsivity can make it feel as though the body or the voice acts before the mind has time to intervene. In Tourette’s, this is not simply carelessness or a lack of self-control, but a difficulty in the brain’s response-inhibition system, which normally creates a pause between an impulse and an action.
In this episode, we explore the difference between motor and decision-making impulsivity, why the brain can activate movements or words before the rational centres have assessed the consequences, and how this can affect conversations, relationships and everyday choices. We also examine why impulsive reactions should not automatically be confused with deliberate behaviour or rudeness.
Finally, we look at practical ways to create a small buffer before acting, including deliberate delay, mindfulness, recognising triggers and reducing sensory overload. The aim is not to suppress every impulse, but to give the brain more time to choose how to respond.
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