Impulse Control Disorders

Now seeing patients via telemedicine in Rockford, Chicago, Champaign, Peoria, Springfield, the Metro East, and across Illinois.

What are impulse control disorders?

Impulse control disorders, also called ICDs, are behavioral conditions affecting your ability to control impulses. They can lead to angry outbursts, harming others or yourself, property destruction, and other troublesome behaviors. Treatment at ClariPath Psychiatry helps you effectively manage your condition and eliminate unhealthy and/or harmful patterns. 

What are the symptoms of impulse control disorders?

Symptoms of ICDs include:

• Frequent arguing and/or fighting
• Angry outbursts
• Stealing
• Disobedience
• Breaking laws or rules
• Defiance
• Destroying property 
• Harming others or yourself
• Legal problems
• Depression
• Substance misuse
• Difficulty holding a job
• Relationship challenges

These and similar symptoms often begin during childhood. They may continue into the teenage years and adulthood when left untreated.

What are the different types of ICD?

Examples of impulse control disorders include the following:

• Kleptomania: urges to steal things
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): defiant, hostile behavior toward people in authority
• Intermittent explosive disorder: impulsive, angry outbursts and aggression
• Pyromania: urges to start fires
• Conduct disorder: aggression towards other people 

It’s possible to have more than one type of ICD at the same time. Your ClariPath Psychiatry provider takes a personalized approach to treat combinations of mental health disorders and restore well-being. 

What increases the risk of impulse control disorders?

ICD risk factors include genetic factors, such as having a biological parent with a mental health disorder. Other risks include childhood neglect, community violence, low socioeconomic status, and brain and/or hormone changes.

How are ICDs diagnosed?

Your ClariPath Psychiatry provider completes a mental health evaluation using DSM-5 criteria to determine if you have an ICD or another mental health condition. They ask about your behavior patterns, emotions, moods, thoughts, lifestyle habits, and current medications to develop an individualized treatment based on your diagnosis and goals. 

How are impulse control disorders treated?

Your ICD treatment plan may consist of:

• Medication management
• Lifestyle modifications
• Parenting skills training
• Parental management training
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Multisystemic therapy 
• Other forms of therapy 

You or a loved one might meet with a therapist weekly or as needed to overcome impulse control disorders. They ensure the treatment is effective and long-lasting.

It’s also helpful to stay active, get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, avoid drugs and alcohol, and try stress-reduction strategies like meditation, yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing.

Schedule a telemedicine impulse control disorders evaluation at ClariPath Psychiatry by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.