Impulse Control Disorders (ICD) are characterised by not being able to resist an impulse to behave in a way that is harmful to oneself or others. An impulse involves a sense of arousal or tension. After an impulse has been acted on, a person may experience a 'buzz', gratification, pleasure, or tension relief. The consequences of the actions of a person with an Impulse Control Disorder (ICD) can disrupt their life and the lives of others, causing guilt or regret for the person with ICD, and distress for others. 

 

Symptoms of Impulse Control Disorders (ICD)

There are five main Impulse Control Disorders (ICD). Intermittent Explosive Disorder is impulses resulting in aggressive assaults on people or damage to property. Kleptomania is impulses resulting in the stealing of objects of little monetary or personal value such as in shoplifting. Pathological Gambling is impulses resulting in life disrupting gambling. Pyromania is impulses resulting in the starting of fires. And Trichotillomania, impulses resulting in the pulling out of one's hair causing hair loss.

 

Causes of Impulse Control Disorders (ICD)

The causes of Impulse Control Disorders (ICD) can be related to Personality Disorders (PD), Substance Abuse Disorders such as Alcohol Abuse and Drug Abuse, or having first degree relatives with Substance Abuse Disorders. The causes of Impulse Control Disorders (ICD) can also be related to anxiety disorders, childhood issues, eating disorders, impulsive behaviour associated with periods of mania or hypomania in Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Self Harm.

 

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