Impulse Control Disorders
 
Introduction:

Impulsive behaviors or actions refer to violent behavior, sexual behavior, gambling behavior, fire starting, stealing, and self-abusive behaviors.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction    
2. Definition    
3. Sign and Symptoms    
4. Risk Factors for Impulse Disorder    
5. Treatment    
 
Definition:

An Impulse Control Disorder can be loosely defined as the failure to resist acting on an impulsive thought. The resultant impulsive act or behavior may be harmful to self or others. The impulsive behavior or act is considered to be one that is not intentional or not thought about in advance and one over which the individual has little or no influence.
  Sign and Symptoms:  

When an individual displays risk-taking behaviors, excessive spending, binge eating, risky sex, gestures and threats of self-harm and other attention-seeking behaviors they could be at risk for having an impulse control disorder. In this population, there is a high rate of self-injury without suicide intent, as well as a significant rate of suicide attempts and completed suicide in severe cases

  Risk Factors for Impulse Disorder:  

Traumatic Brain Injury may result in some individuals developing impulsive disorder. This is particularly true when the damage has been to the frontal cortex area.

Substance abuse appears to be commonly associated with impulsivity. While not all individuals with substance abuse problems will develop impulse control problems, research has noted a strong correlation between the two.

Types of Impulse Disorders:

  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) - aggressive outbursts resulting in either destruction of property or physical assaults on others.
  • Domestic Violence - A form of IED because often these individuals only lose control within the context of a close interpersonal relationship.
  • Kleptomania involves the compulsive stealing of items not needed for their monetary value.
  • Pyromania involves setting fires for pleasure, and experiencing a sense of relief or gratification from the experience.
  • Pathological Gambling is diagnosed by the impact it has on your life, and by the lack of control, rather than the amount of money gambled or lost that creates serious life problems for the individual.
  • Trichotillomania - Pulling out your own hair habitually, to the point of seeing noticeable hair loss, and experiencing pleasure or tension relief from the behavior.
  Treatment:  

A combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral treatment may be beneficial for individuals struggling with impulse control disorders.



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