Chapters illuminate the current understanding of impulsive behavior from conceptual, legal, and biological perspectives and address challenges of describing and measuring such behavior. With special emphasis on how the likelihood of future violent or destructive behavior can best be gauged in specific cases, the volume includes several newly developed risk assessment tools. The first part focuses on theoretical issues, drawing attention to the importance of impulsivity as a general organizing construct in mental health, correctional, and legal fields. The second part explores underlying assumptions of the impulsivity construct. From the biopsychology of impulsive behavior to specific impulsivity disorders, chapters shed light on a wide variety of destructive and self-defeating behaviors in children, adolescents, and adults. The third part covers assessment issues and includes checklists designed to aid in risk evaluation of mentally disordered persons, potentially suicidal inmates, spouse assaulters, and sex offenders. The final part considers treatment and prevention issues, specifically pharmacological and clinical interventions as well as systems and integrated support approaches to managing impulsive behavior. A clinically pertinent agenda for future study is suggested. References and tables