Impulsive Behavior and Impulse Control Disorders

Impulsive Behavior and Impulse Control Disorders PTSD Coping Print Impulsive Behavior and Impulse Control Disorders By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 13, 2018 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 13, 2019 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Helene Vallee / Getty Images A person with an impulse control disorder is often unable to resist the sudden, forceful urge to do something that may violate the rights of others or bring about conflict with societal norms. These impulsive behaviors may occur repeatedly, quickly and without consideration of the consequences of that behavior. Pyromania (intentionally starting fires) and kleptomania (the urge to steal) are well-known examples, but there are others. Signs and Symptoms There are some signs and symptoms that may point to an impulse control disorder in some individuals. It is not always easy to identify a disorder, but the following flags may be cause for attention. Behavioral symptoms: For example, stealing, lying, starting fires, risky or promiscuous behavior, and aggressive or volatile behaviorsCognitive symptoms: Obsessive behavior, being irritable or agitated, flying into a rage, and poor concentration abilities, to name a fewSocial and emotional symptoms that often show up as low self-esteem, being socially withdrawn or isolated, seeming detached and/or anxious, experiencing drastic shifts in thoughts and moods, and having feelings of guilt or regret When a Behavior Becomes a Disorder Typically, the  impulsive action  results from tension that has built to the point where the person can no longer resist it. The immediate sense of relief from acting on the impulsive behavior is only short-term, however. Feelings such as guilt or shame may follow, and repeated impulsive acts may lead to a number of negative consequences, such as greater emotional distress or regret, in the long-term. When the emotional toll or impulsive behavior becomes unmanageable or seriously disrupts everyday life, an  impulse control disorder  is a likely cause. Risk Factors Both internal and external stressors are known triggers for impaired control. Many types of impulse control disorders are thought to stem from underlying neurological vulnerabilities coupled with environmental stresses. Some risk factors include: Being male (Males are more prone to impulse control disorders than females)Genetic predispositionChronic drug or alcohol useBeing subjected to trauma, abuse, or neglectExposure to violence or aggression Certain types of chemical imbalances may contribute to an impulse control disorder in some individuals. Additional mental health issues, such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), often coexist in people with an impulse control  disorder. Common Types and Treatments The term impulse control disorder is currently a category of  mental health problems that  include disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders. Some common types of impulse control disorders include: Pyromania People with this impulse control disorder  deliberately start fires without regard to the destruction or injury their actions may cause. It is common for many convicted arsonists with evident pyromania to also have personality disorders such as antisocial and borderline personality disorders. Treatment of this impulse disorder often includes addressing any underlying mental illness pharmacologically. Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques have also been utilized. Intermittent Explosive Disorder Intermittent explosive disorder is diagnosed when a person has, on multiple occasions, acted on aggressive impulses and committed seriously aggressive acts, such as assault or destruction of property. One way its identified is by the severity of the persons aggressive behavior (its well out of proportion to the trigger that preceded it). Studies have found a link between the experience of a  traumatic event and intermittent explosive disorder.? Individuals with the intermittent explosive disorder may benefit from treatment that includes both medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Kleptomania This is the constant and irresistible urge to steal. Kleptomania is unusual in that, unlike more typical thieves, a person with this impulse control disorder may often steal things that have little personal or monetary value.? Kleptomania may have subtypes that are more like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and others that are more similar to addictive and mood disorders. It is common for people with kleptomania (and their first-degree relatives) to have other comorbid psychiatric or addiction issues. Effective treatment options for kleptomania may vary depending on the subtype evident in the individual. Cognitive behavior therapy and medication have been shown to be effective. Lithium, anti-epileptics, and opioid antagonist medications have shown promise in certain circumstances. A Word From Verywell Keep in mind that there are other impulse control disorders besides the ones described above. There are also many other signs and symptoms that may reflect these conditions. A trained professional can provide a full evaluation, explanation, as well as a comprehensive treatment program that builds and strengthens accepted social skills. For example, a therapist may choose to focus on problem-solving, ways to look at the bigger picture to help you overcome a fixation with instant gratification, and strategies to curb impulses through techniques that help develop better self-control.