Impulse control disorders are mental health conditions where people have a great deal of difficulty resisting impulses. These conditions can vary from an emotional response, including taking things that are not from them (Kleptomania) or a desire to set something on fire (Pyromania).

When it comes to impulse control disorders, it is crucial to understand that the person has difficulty controlling their behaviors. The person generally doesn’t understand and cannot recognize their actions as a problem.

Causes

There has yet been no specific cause has been identified. However, research is being conducted to find the origin of these conditions. Some have linked these issues to changes in the brain, and others suggest that people with impulse control issues are genetically predisposed.

In the past, it was believed that living in a stressful environment could lead to developing an impulse control disorder. However, there has been no evidence to support this claim. In addition, some impulse control disorders can occur without any stress.

Types Of Impulse Control Disorders

There are various types of impulse control disorders have been identified. Each of these conditions presents its own set of symptoms and behaviors. In some cases, multiple impulse control disorders can exist together.

Some impulse control disorders include:

• Oppositional defiant disorder: A child is unwilling to follow directions or rules at home or school. As the child’s age increases, they often become more defiant and likely to engage in acts of aggression.

• Intermittent explosive disorder: A condition where the person has bouts of anger followed by explosive rage. People with intermittent explosive disorder often have very short patience. They are unable to control the intense anger that takes over them.

• Conduct disorder: A condition where the person exhibits delinquent behavior and lacks respect for authority. The person can also be very aggressive, harming others and engaging in illegal activities.

• Kleptomania: People cannot control themselves and desire to steal. It commonly affects people in the age range of their early teens. It is important to note that the person in Kleptomania does not steal items to make a profit but rather takes items on impulse.

• Pyromania: A condition where a person becomes obsessed with setting fires. It is important to note that the person does not specify the fire for any personal gain; instead, they do so because they crave it.

These types of impulse control disorders are often treatable with a combination of therapy and medications. It is essential to seek help for the person suffering from these conditions. Often impulse control disorders worsen as the person ages and can be very difficult to live with in adolescence.

Suppose you or someone you know suffers from an impulse control disorder. In that case, you can count on Hanei Health Solutions, and we have mental health centers in Gaithersburg And Catonsville, MD. We will do everything we can to support you or your loved one to get better. We believe in a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Because of this, we provide several different services, such as group therapy, psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management.

We are here for you 24/7. If you need help, please give us a call at 443-978-1330. We will help you get the proper treatment for your situation.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of impulse control disorders change from case to case. Impulse control disorder can range from mild to severe conditions. As symptoms worsen, the person may abuse substances or engage in violent behavior such as criminal activity.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of impulse control disorders are:

ODD

Symptoms of ODD include:

• Being disruptive or disagreeable
• Becoming defiant and irritable

IED

Symptoms of IED include:

• Easily frustrated
• Multiple physical or verbal outbursts that may result in physical damage
• Explosive outbursts

CD

Symptoms of CD include:

• Lying to someone
• Destruction of properties
• Manipulative or unemotional
• Criminal activity

Kleptomania

Symptoms of Kleptomania include:

• Stealing things that are of little to no value or not necessary
• Obsession to steal
• Feelings of relief after stealing
• Feeling guilty after stealing

Pyromania

Symptoms of pyromania include:

• Feeling obsession with setting fires
• Pressure just before setting a fire
• Setting a fire that is not a response to anger

These signs and symptoms can reach from mild to severe, depending on the individual and their situation. As the symptoms worsen, the person often has multiple health and legal problems.

Co-Occurring Disorders

It is essential to remember that those who have impulse control disorders are more likely to have other mental health problems. Some of the most usual conditions that co-occur with impulse control disorder are:

• Depressive disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder

These conditions often occur in conjunction with more than one mental health condition. For example, a person may also suffer from depression simultaneously with their impulse control disorder. Because of this, they seek treatment for all of your symptoms, which is essential instead of just one condition. If you know someone suffering from any mental health condition, please don’t hesitate to help them get effective treatment today.

At Hanei Health Solutions, we provide a wide range of counseling and therapy services to meet your needs. We offer a unique approach that combines the best elements of psychotherapy and psychiatric evaluation to treat impulse control disorders. Today, visit one of our health centers in Gaithersburg or Catonsville, MD, and get started on a better path in life.

Treatment

There are many treatment options available for impulse control disorders. There are a few different types of treatments that can help you or your loved one overcome this condition.

Some of the most effective treatment options include:

Medications

Medications are a standard treatment option for impulse control disorders. Medications can help reduce impulsive behaviors and help the person build impulse control. Two of the most common types of medications used to help treat impulse control disorders are:

• Anti-depressants
• Mood stabilizers
• Glutamatergic agents
• Opioid antagonists

Both medications affect neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting mood, anxiety, and cognition. These medications must be prescribed and managed by a medical professional.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is another treatment option for impulse control disorders that can be highly effective. This treatment helps the person understand the root of their impulsive behaviors and, as a result, gain insight into their behavior.

The person learns how to manage their thoughts and emotions to decrease the severity of impulsive behaviors. This therapy is very effective in treating impulse control disorders because it allows the person to learn how to eliminate the negative behaviors associated with them.

Habit Reversal Training

Habit reversal training has been proven beneficial in treating impulse control disorders because it is an intensive therapy. This treatment form helps the person reframe negative behaviors into positive ones.

The therapist helps the person to identify their triggers for impulsive behaviors and then teaches them how to eliminate them. The person will learn to develop new behavior patterns appropriate for their age and lifestyle.

With all these treatment options available, it is easy to see how many people do not suffer from impulse control disorders. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, please contact us for more information about how we can help them.

Hanei Health Solutions has been providing healthcare services for many years. We look forward to being a part of your journey through life. We would love to get to know you, so please visit one of our health centers in Gaithersburg or Catonsville, MD, today for a consultation. We offer effective treatment options for individuals with impulse control disorders. We know how to help you get started on your recovery journey.