Impulse Control Disorder
Impulse Control Disorder (pronounced im-pulse con-trol dis-or-der) is a class of Psychiatric Disorders characterized by the inability to resist a temptation, urge, or impulse that may harm oneself or others.
Etymology
The term "Impulse Control Disorder" is derived from the Latin word 'impulsus' meaning 'attack', and the English words 'control' and 'disorder'.
Definition
Impulse Control Disorders are a type of Mental Health Disorder in which a person has trouble controlling emotions or behaviors. Often, the behaviors violate the rights of others or conflict with societal norms and the law.
Types of Impulse Control Disorders
There are several types of Impulse Control Disorders, including:
- Kleptomania - the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't need and that usually have little value.
- Pyromania - an impulse to deliberately start fires to relieve tension or for instant gratification.
- Compulsive Gambling - persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
- Intermittent Explosive Disorder - recurrent, impulsive, problematic outbursts of verbal or physical aggression that are disproportionate to the situations that trigger them.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Impulse Control Disorders include:
- Inability to resist impulses to perform harmful actions, such as stealing, fire-setting, or gambling.
- Feeling a heightened sense of tension or arousal before committing the act.
- Feeling pleasure, gratification, or relief when committing the act.
Treatment
Treatment for Impulse Control Disorders typically involves a combination of Psychotherapy, medications, and self-help strategies.
See Also
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