Disinhibition

Disinhibition, also referred to as behavioral disinhibition, is medically recognized as an orientation towards immediate gratification, leading to impulsive behaviour driven by current thoughts, feelings, and external stimuli, without regard for past learning or consideration for future consequences.[1] It is one of five pathological personality trait domains in certain psychiatric disorders.[1] In psychology, it is defined as a lack of restraint manifested in disregard of social conventions, impulsivity, and poor risk assessment.[2] Hypersexuality, hyperphagia, substance abuse, money mismanagement, frequent faux pas, and aggressive outbursts are indicative of disinhibited instinctual drives.[2]

Certain psychoactive substances that have effects on the limbic system of the brain may induce disinhibition.[3]

  1. ^ a b DSM5 2013, p. 820.
  2. ^ a b Grafman, Jordan; François Boller; Rita Sloan Berndt; Ian H. Robertson; Giacomo Rizzolatti (2002). Handbook of Neuropsychology. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 103. ISBN 978-0-444-50365-7.
  3. ^ Bone 1998, p. 42.