Symptoms of Impulsive Control Disorder

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 behaviours may occur repeatedly, quickly and without consideration of the consequences of that behaviour.

What are the signs and symptoms?

·         Behavioural symptoms: For example, stealing, lying, starting fires, risky or promiscuous behaviour, and aggressive or volatile behaviours.

·         Cognitive symptoms: Obsessive behaviour, being irritable or agitated, flying into a rage, and poor concentration abilities.

·         Social and emotional symptoms that often show up as low self-esteem, being socially withdrawn or isolated, seeming detached and/or anxious, experiencing drastic shifts in mood.

Some common causes include lack of sleep can be another reason for impulsive behaviour, as can stress and frustration. When kids are struggling with something in school or in everyday life, they may act out. . One of the most common causes of frequent impulsive behaviour is ADHD.

Types of Disorder include:

·         Pathological gambling,

·         kleptomania,

·         pyromania,

·         Trichotillomania, and

·         Intermittent explosive disorder.

Treatments:

Treatment of this impulse disorder often includes addressing any underlying mental illness pharmacologically.

Cognitive behavioural therapy techniques have also been utilized.

Individuals with the intermittent explosive disorder may benefit from treatment that includes both medication and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Lithium, anti-epileptics, and opined antagonist medications have shown promise in certain circumstances.

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 psychiatrist or counselor 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.