DVirtually everyone has moments where they find it difficult or impossible to keep their emotions in check. But if someone simply cannot control their impulses, especially when these urges involve breaking established rules or harming others, an impulse control disorder may be to blame.
What Are Impulse Control Disorders?
In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), impulse control disorders are included in a section titled Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders. Conditions listed in this section include:
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)
- Conduct disorder
- Pyromania
- Kleptomania
The DSM-5 describes the primary characteristics of these disorders as “involving problems in the self-control of emotions and behaviors.” They are typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, though they can persist into adulthood.
Alluding to the fact that impulsivity can also be a symptom of other mental health concerns, the DSM-5 clarifies that the conditions in the Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders section involve behaviors that meet one or both of the following criteria:
- Violating the rights of others, such as through aggression or violence directed at individuals or their property)
- Conflicting with societal norms and/or bringing them into contact with authority figures
Related Conditions
Today’s post is focused on the impulse control disorders listed above. However, impulsivity can also be symptomatic of several other mental, behavioral, and neurological disorders, such as:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Binge-eating disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Gambling disorder
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Substance abuse disorders (addictions)
Causes & Risk Factors
Factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing an impulse control disorder include:
- Lower verbal intelligence
- Structural or functional brain differences
- Uncontrolled temperament during infancy
- Parental neglect or rejection
- Inconsistent parenting practices
- Poor supervision and harsh discipline
- Institutional living at a young age
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Family history of substance use and addiction
- Family history of certain mental health conditions
- Growing up in a violent neighborhood
Also, while impulse control disorders can affect people of any gender, they are more common among boys and men than among girls and women.
Symptoms & Effects of Impulse Control Disorders
The symptoms and effects of an impulse control disorder can be influenced by several factors, including the person’s age, which condition they have, and the effectiveness of treatment or other interventions.
Symptoms
Oppositional defiant disorder is associated with symptoms such as:
- Often losing their temper
- Being touchy or easily annoyed
- Frequently arguing with authority figures
- Actively defying or refusing to comply with rules
- Deliberately annoying others
- Blaming others for their own errors or misbehaviors
- Acting out of spite or vindictiveness
Symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder include:
- Temper tantrums
- Verbal tirades
- Frequent arguments or physical fights
- Acts of aggression or violence toward other people or animals
- Destruction of property
Conduct disorder symptoms include a variety of harmful behaviors, many of which are also criminal, such as:
- Bullying or initiating fights with other people
- Using weapons such as bats, bricks, knives, or guns that can cause significant physical harm
- Forcing someone into sexual activity (rape)
- Being physically cruel to animals
- Deliberately destroying others’ property
- Breaking into houses, buildings, or cars
- Stealing items of great value
- Lying or deceiving others in order to acquire property or services
- Running away from home, staying out all night without permission, and skipping school
Pyromania is characterized by:
- Deliberately setting fires on more than one occasion
- Experiencing pleasure or gratification when setting or witnessing fires
- Tension or heightened psychological activity prior to setting fires
- Setting fires solely for personal gratification, not for revenge, financial gain, to hide criminal activity, or any other reasons
Kleptomania involves symptoms such as:
- Repeatedly stealing items
- Experiencing pleasure or gratification during or immediately following the thefts
- Stealing items solely based on impulsivity, not because the person needs them, intends to sell them for personal gain, or wants to harm the person who originally owned them
Effects
The potential effects of impulse control disorders include:
- Being suspended or expelled from school
- Lack of healthy peer relationships
- Inability to find and keep a job
- Frequent conflicts and fights
- Physical injuries due to aggressive behaviors
- Being arrested, fined, and incarcerated
- Social withdrawal or ostracization
- Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Diminished overall quality of life
Treatment Options for Impulse Control Disorders
Common elements of care for people with impulse control disorders include prescription medication, therapy, and various educational efforts.
Medications that may be beneficial for someone with an impulse disorder include:
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakene)
- Anticonvulsants such as lithium (Priadel)
- Other meds such as clonidine (Catapres)
From a therapeutic/educational perspective, people who have impulse control disorders may benefit from approaches such as:
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Multisystemic therapy (MST)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Classes in anger management, problem solving, and conflict resolution
For children and adolescents who have impulse control disorders, instruction and therapeutic support for parents can also be vital elements of effective care.
Find Treatment for Impulse Control Disorders Near San Francisco
Substance abuse and addiction are among the many potential effects of untreated impulsivity. If you or someone that you care for have been struggling with these concerns, Live Oaks Wellness is here to help.
Treatment at our detox and residential rehab near San Franciso, CA, includes focused dual diagnosis services for patients who have impulse control disorders and other co-occurring mental health conditions. Working together, we can identify the full scope of your needs, then develop a customized plan to help you achieve successful recovery and improved mental health.
To learn more about how we can help you or your loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
