The frontal region of the brain is also responsible for impulse control. Individuals whom are considered as hyperactive or fidgety may have an under-activated less controlled frontal region and their motor activity is not controlled adequately. A result of this under-activation is demonstrated when a child or an adult acts upon his/her impulses spontaneously without thinking about the consequences. The child or adult may act out by interrupting conversations or blurting out inappropriate comments.
The speed of brainwaves varies from slow to fast. Under-activation means the area has an imbalance in the ratio of slow to fast brainwaves. Too many slow brainwaves, such as delta or theta waves, will slow activity of the region. The problem is often compounded by too few fast brainwaves, such as beta waves.
Children and adults with focus issues whom are highly emotionally reactive typically show excessive slow brainwaves in the right prefrontal lobe. This is also the case for children who tantrum excessively. The slow brain waves on the right side are associated with one having less emotional control and this might mean an individual will have anger outbursts, agitation, inability to stay calm under pressure, and depressive-type symptoms.
One with too slow brain waves on the left side may demonstrate poor impulse control and organizational skills and may struggle with focusing on mundane responsibilities (“this is boring!"). These individuals may have complaints of feeling unmotivated and have difficulty planning and following through with projects.