Impulse Control

An impulse control disorder is characterized by having a hard time controlling a sudden desire to do something, even if you might regret it later. This is an urge that feels beyond your control and the sense that acting on it might provide relief or satisfaction in a way that makes it even more appealing. It’s not about being rebellious or acting out (even though it may seem that way at first). Impulse control issues are much more complex.

Impulse regulation affects almost every part of your life, from how you react to bad news to the way you handle risky situations. If you’ve ever been tempted to do something against your better judgment, your brain should give you the chance to think before you act. However, not everyone has the ability to combat their desire to bring those intrusive thoughts to life.

Guidelight Health provides mental health programs that can help you develop impulse regulation skills. This guide will discuss common types of impulse control disorders, the symptoms of each and which mental health care approaches can help you manage impulsive behavior.

Impulse control describes your ability to resist immediate cravings. Essentially, it helps you consider the long-term consequences of your actions, so you can navigate everyday situations, emotions and relationships well. Impulsive behavior is regulated by the part of your brain that handles decision-making and logical reasoning (the prefrontal cortex). As a child or young adult, it’s natural to act on impulse when you shouldn’t sometimes because this part of your brain takes the longest to develop.

Impulse control disorders share a basic inability to stop problematic behavior. This lack of self-control can pose a threat to your safety or the safety of the other people around you.

These actions typically defy social norms and, in some cases, may lead to legal issues. The signs of impulse control issues usually present during childhood and may continue into adulthood if left untreated.

Common symptoms of an impulse control disorder include:

• A lack of self-control
• Feelings of tension leading up to the behavior
• A sense of release or catharsis after performing the action
• Poor concentration abilities
• Executive dysfunction
• Intense mood shifts
• Obsessive behavior

On the surface, someone with an impulse control disorder knows what they’re doing is wrong. As a result, they often feel feelings of guilt, shame or regret over their actions. They may also withdraw or isolate themselves to avoid any negative social repercussions. As a result, people with impulse control issues are at higher risk of other issues, like depression, substance use, relationship problems, unemployment and other challenges.

Impulse control disorder is an umbrella term for a group of behavioral conditions connected by shared symptoms. Each one meets specific diagnostic criteria, and some treatments may work better than others depending on the type you have. Common impulse control disorders include the following:

Kleptomania

Kleptomania is characterized by the irresistible urge to steal things. It’s not a planned theft, and it’s often a secret a person tries to keep to themselves. For people with kleptomania, this urge doesn’t stem from a lack of willpower or a sense of personal gain — in fact, these items often have little value. It comes from the inability to resist this particular action.

Pyromania

Pyromania is a rare mental health condition where a person finds starting fires on purpose too tempting to resist. People with pyromania know that deliberately starting fires can be harmful and destructive, but they have trouble controlling this desire. They often feel a sense of release afterward, which drives this particular action.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Intermittent explosive disorder is a mental health condition that involves sudden, repeated outbursts of intense or violent behavior. Everyone feels angry sometimes, but these episodes don’t usually match an appropriate severity level for the situation. People with this disorder may physically or verbally assault someone else, destroy property, harm animals, and do other destructive things.

Trichotillomania

Also called hair-pulling disorder, trichotillomania shares some features with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it’s a distinct distinction. People with this mental health condition feel the compulsive urge to pull their own hair out. They may tug out the hair along their eyebrows, their head and other areas of their body, leaving bare spots behind, and find themselves struggling to hide the signs of hair loss.

Impulse control disorders may be caused by a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), some of these diagnoses are more common in men than women and vice versa. However, researchers are still learning why some people develop impulse regulation issues while others don’t. Several factors may play a role in a person’s mental health condition, such as:

Biological Factors

• Sex
• Genetics
• Brain chemistry imbalances

Environmental Factors

• Substance use
• High-stress settings
• Certain medications (e.g., dopamine agonists for Parkinson’s disease)
• Lower socioeconomic status

Psychological Factors

• Physical or emotional trauma
• Childhood neglect or abuse
• Preexisting mental health condition (e.g., personality disorders)

Impulse control disorders may not be preventable, but early intervention can help reduce the toll it takes on you and your loved ones. Let our dedicated, deeply compassionate professionals help you work toward your mental health goals. Our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are available for adults and adolescents across several states, so you can manage your health in a location that works best for you.

Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about impulse control disorders or to schedule an initial evaluation.

Impulse control disorders are highly treatable and can be managed with the appropriate care. At Guidelight, we understand how disruptive an impulse control disorder can be to your physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. That’s why we provide compassionate, comprehensive care that’s centered on our clients’ unique needs. Each person receives an individualized treatment plan to address their impulse control symptoms.

Our licensed therapists take the time to help you understand your condition and apply evidence-based techniques to help you address your impulsivity, such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a pillar approach to therapy that helps you identify and change problematic thought and behavior patterns. The goal of this technique is to help you build the skills you need to combat your impulsivity and replace potentially harmful patterns with more positive ones.

Medication Management

Along with therapy, your mental health provider may also recommend medication to help you manage the symptoms of your impulse control disorder. There aren’t any FDA-approved medications that are specifically approved for impulse control disorders, but you may be prescribed a mood stabilizer, antipsychotic or antidepressant to help with symptoms.

Before entering one of our programs, you’ll receive a full psychiatric evaluation and personal assessment to ensure that it’s ideal for you. Guidelight offers the following levels of care for people with impulse control issues who need more than what traditional outpatient therapy can offer:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our PHP provides intensive care for clients with impulse regulation issues. In this program, you’ll spend the day with us and return home each evening. We offer a welcoming environment where you’ll attend therapy sessions, connect with peers and learn valuable coping skills. This program is ideal for individuals who need more structure and support to manage their condition.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP provides a more flexible level of care either during the day or in the evening. Just like our PHP, you’ll attend group and individual therapy sessions and work closely with highly trained providers to develop the skills you need to manage your disorder. Through this approach, our clients can continue their daily lives while prioritizing their mental health.