Impulse-Control Disorders

Impulse-Control Disorders

When a person has an overwhelming urge or impulse to do something, it may be a sign of an impulse-control disorder. The problem may manifest itself in one of many different ways, depending on the exact type of disorder that is diagnosed. From urges to gamble to being unable to control anger, there are various symptoms that may appear in people affected by these types of disorders.

Types of Impulse-Control Disorders 

• Intermittent Explosive Disorder - Outbursts of anger or extreme temper tantrums.
• Kleptomania - An urge to steal small items that usually have very little value.
• Pyromania - When a person sets fires for enjoyment and pleasure.
• Pathological Gambling - The inability to stop gambling.
• Trichotillomania - Hair loss caused by an impulse to twirl and pull hair. Some people then have an urge to eat the hair.   
• Unspecified Impulse-Control Disorder - When someone has symptoms from various impulse-control disorders, but it is not able to be singled down to one.

Causes of Impulse-Control Disorders

The exact causes of these disorders are not known, but it is thought that various physical and psychological factors play a role. For some, chances of developing one of these disorders is increased if other people in the family have had problems with them in the past. Problems with the brain may also be responsible for the disorders in some people. Hormonal imbalances are also thought to be part of the cause. Overall, there are many things that could lead a person to develop one of these problems, which is why it is important to look for the symptoms and take action if they are seen.

Symptoms and Dangers of Impulse-Control Disorders 

There are many different specific symptoms that may show up with impulse-control disorders, but generally they revolve around an inability to resist something that may be harmful or illegal. The emotional symptoms of the disorder include anxiety before taking action, little thought before acting, then remorse or guilt immediately after acting impulsively. This pattern may be hard to spot, but the cycle has various side effects on a person's life that can be easier to notice, including money problems (in the case of pathological gambling) or loss of hair or hiding the hair (in the case of trichotillomania.) If not treated, the symptoms of impulse-control disorders can lead to many serious problems.

Treatment for Impulse-Control Disorders 

Because of the risks associated with impulse-control disorders, you can get online therapy for this disorder here at Mentaline.com. You can get assistance from trained therapists who specialize in impulse-control disorders as well as online counseling. Both can be very helpful when dealing with these types of disorders. If nothing is done, the chances are high that other problems may develop. Before letting things get out of hand, it makes sense to get more information about all of our treatment options for impulse-control disorders here at Mentaline.com.

Definition of Impulse-Control Disorders

Impulse-control disorders cause people to be unable to resist an impulsive acts or behaviors that may be harmful to self or other people. Therapy and counseling are recommended for treatment of impulse-control disorders.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Impulse-Control Disorders

• Overreacting to situations
• Inability to control urges or impulses
• Urge to steal items that aren't needed
• Guilt or remorse after giving into an urge
• Urge to steal small items
• Pleasure playing with fire
• Money problems
• Emotional problems
• Loss of hair, wearing lots of hats

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