What are impulse control disorders?

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are behavioral conditions that make it hard for people to control their actions or reactions. Such problematic behaviors often cause harm to others and yourself. They can also lead to problems with the law.

Some examples of these behaviors include:

• Angry outbursts.
• Arguing and fighting.
• Destroying property.
• Defiance and disobedience.
• Stealing
• Breaking the rules or laws.

Symptoms of impulse control disorders are generally initiated during childhood and can persist throughout adulthood.

What are the types of impulse control disorders?

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the following conditions are classified as impulse control disorders:

• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): This is a pervasive pattern of oppositional, rebellious, or hostile behavior toward authority figures.
• Conduct disorder: It is characterized by an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others. Children with such a condition also may present serious violations of rules and social norms in the home, school, and with peers.
• Intermittent explosive disorder: This condition characterizes recurrent, impulsive anger outbursts or aggression leading to significant impairment in life.
• Kleptomania: This is a mental health disorder where a person feels a strong and uncontrollable need to steal things. People with this disorder know that stealing is wrong and that it could lead to trouble, but they cannot stop themselves.
• Pyromania: This is a mental illness wherein you can't resist the compulsion of starting fires. You may know the fires will harm, but you are powerless against the impulse to set one on fire. The person experiencing pyromania experiences a build-up before lighting the fire and then relief afterward. They start no fires but for the relief.

Each impulse control disorder has diverse signs and symptoms. Nevertheless, the common feature of all of them is reduced control over an individual's acts, generally causing harm to others or violating legislation.

Many people with impulse control disorders realize their behavior is wrong, but they cannot stop themselves. They often feel a growing internal tension before acting out. After engaging in inappropriate behavior, they usually experience a sense of relief or release.

Another way to understand impulse control disorders is that the behaviors are externalizing. Instead of keeping resentment and feelings of hostility inside, persons with ICDs project these feelings to others. Therefore, they often come into conflicts with other people or the law. This is different from many other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders, in which the distress is internalized.

Remember, though, that most children become defiant at some point. They need to test their own — and other people's — limits to know what is appropriate and inappropriate. But impulse control disorders are about a chronic pattern of far more serious behaviors. These cause disruptions in life and create negative impacts on relationships as well.

What causes impulse control disorders?

Researchers are still finding out how impulse control disorders are caused. They still believe that several factors might result in impulse control disorders:

• Genetics: Studies show that children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are more likely to have parents with mood disorders. Similarly, children with Conduct Disorder (CD) are more likely to have parents with conditions like schizophrenia, ADHD, substance use disorder, or antisocial personality disorder. This suggests that genetics might play a role.
• Environmental factors also contribute to impulse control disorders (ICDs). Things like low income, community violence, childhood neglect, abuse, and having friends with lousy behavior can all have an impact.
• Biological research suggests that people with ICDs may have unusual changes in their brain activity or hormone levels, like cortisol.

What is the diagnosis for impulse control disorders?

Mental health professionals diagnose impulse control disorders using the DSM-5 criteria. The signs and symptoms must be present for at least six to twelve months and cause significant stress that disrupts daily life.

More often than not, you will see the intervention of the service providers, among whom include psychologists or even psychiatrists, if any behavior of a child suggests one is showing signs of having an impulse control disorder. Professional Interview and Assessment Tools Psychiatrists and even psychologists, on numerous occasions, use reports obtained directly or through people around the individuals whom they wish to get knowledge about the behavior for a detailed understanding of their activities, including those of siblings or parents.

How do we treat impulse control disorders?

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) don't have approved medications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Treatment mainly focuses on therapy and changes in parenting strategies.

Here are some helpful parenting strategies for managing ICDs:

• Stop rewarding unwanted behavior.
• Encourage kindness and concern for others (prosocial behaviors).
• Use nonviolent discipline.
• Make parenting decisions that are consistent and predictable.

Particular therapies that can help include:

• Parent management training (PMT): It comprises training in techniques to be applied by parents or caregivers with their child to help him learn new skills or improve behaviors. The goal is to establish consistent discipline and appropriately reward positive behaviors.
• Multisystemic therapy: This kind of therapy uses the family's strengths to stimulate positive coping behaviors. In this case, a licensed therapist supports the parents or caregivers, reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing harmful ones. They also improve accountability and problem-solving abilities.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy or talk therapy. It is used for children with ICDs in conjunction with parent management. During CBT, a therapist helps your child closely look at their thoughts and emotions. They will understand how their thoughts influence their actions. People can replace negative thoughts and behaviors with healthier thinking patterns in CBT.

Can impulse control disorders be prevented?

Although they may not be altogether preventable, early detection and treatment of impulse control disorders can significantly reduce the distress your child and family experience. Moreover, it prevents the many complications that come with ICDs.

What is the outlook for impulse control disorders?

The prognosis for impulse control disorders (ICDs) can vary depending on the type of condition and its severity. The lives of people with ICDs and their families can be significantly affected by these conditions, often with a long lifespan.

Individuals with ICDs are more likely to experience the following:

• Substance abuse in the future
• Relationship problems, unemployment, and depression
• However, intensive therapy can help manage these harmful behaviors.

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