Response inhibition is our brain’s ability to step on the brakes and stop or pause something that is already in motion. This includes actions, thoughts, or even emotional reactions. It is our big “hey, are we sure about this?” button that helps us steer the wheel to a last-minute exit if the action that is about to happen is not necessarily beneficial or safe for us, or does not align with our goals. Response inhibition is a cognitive function of our brain and is part of the executive functioning system.
This brain function can also be referred to as impulse control, behavioural inhibition, inhibitory control, or self-regulation, based on different contexts. These terms have slightly different technical meanings, they all relate to the brain’s ability to pause or stop actions and thoughts.
And if you know anything about neurodivergence and executive function, you might suspect where this is going. Yes, response inhibition often works differently with neurodivergent folks, and it can manifest as “thinking on your feet”, quick decision-making, spontaneity, but also as difficulty stopping strong emotions from coming out.
How response inhibition works
Let’s get a bit technical! Response inhibition mainly involves the prefrontal cortex of our brains, and it works together with other parts to create a complex system with its own checks and balances.
In a split second, this system can
notice a potential action or response forming (“Look, a thought!”)
briefly hold it while considering alternatives (“What else is there?”)
evaluate if this is the best response for the situation (“Is this the best for us now?”)
and proceed or stop (inhibit) the action based on the results (“Okay, please go ahead.” or “Nope, not today.”)
Response inhibition and neurodivergence
Depending on the unique trait mixes, neurodivergent people can have varying experiences with response inhibition.
- under-inhibition: most common among folk with ADHD traits, the pause between impulse and action is very short, or so quick that there is no opportunity to stop it in any way. This is not about making bad decisions, or lacking willpower, or being impatient, but due to how quickly the signals zoom through the brain’s neural network. This is what’s happening when someone vocalises their thoughts immediately (impulsive speech), makes very quick decisions, or can quickly and spontaneously jump from one thing to another.12
- over-inhibition: on the other end of the scale, most common with OCD, people can experience over-inhibition, which means they are hyperaware of their thoughts and impulses, and control them excessively, which can lead to anxiety about potential action.
- varying inhibition: and, as things are not just the two extremes, some folks experience different response inhibition response times in certain situations and circumstances. It’s not always 100% either one or the other, and it can depend on exhaustion, mental alertness, masking, or the type of action that needs inhibition.
Response inhibition differences in daily life
When the 4-step “Hey, are we sure about this?” program has difficulty running in our brains, it can show up in various ways in our daily lives. Some examples:
- waiting turns in a conversation, interrupting others
- blurting out remarks without thinking through if they can be hurtful or harsh
- pausing to consider a purchase that is made on an impulse (see also ADHD tax)
- expressing heightened emotions immediately, sending a message written in rage
- jumping into things straight away without thinking about consequences or other options
It is very important to know that difficulties with response inhibition are not character flaws or due to lack of morality. These differences are because of genuine neurological variations. The goal should not be to eradicate these presentations, but to support and use adjustments where needed. You can develop personalised strategies that help navigate the negative effects of these differences, while still keeping the positives that can manifest as quick thinking, adaptability and flexibility.
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