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| Impulse Control Disorders appear as uncontrollable, injurious behaviors in children and adults. Six distinct categories define this potentially dangerous condition. |
Impulse control disorders (ICD) can develop as early as age seven and continue
throughout adulthood. Symptoms may go undiagnosed for several years by the
pediatrician or by the clinical psychiatric practitioner unfamiliar with treatment
for this new class of personality disorders. All too often it is the unsuspecting
parents who are blamed for a child's unacceptable and aggressive behavior.
Destructive and/or Disruptive Behavior Concerns in Children
Impulsive behavior in children often display as symptoms similar to other behavior
disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Impulse
control disorders in children are often misinterpreted as "bad behavior" by
teachers, friends and relatives. Symptoms present as one or more annoying or
frustrating habits:
As the child with impulse control disorders matures into adolescence and thus
grows in size and strength, the disturbing behaviors grow into harmful, if not
dangerous, uncontrollable impulses. For example, adult drivers who exhibit
frequent bouts of road rage may also be diagnosed as having an impulse control
behavior called intermittent explosive disorder.
throughout adulthood. Symptoms may go undiagnosed for several years by the
pediatrician or by the clinical psychiatric practitioner unfamiliar with treatment
for this new class of personality disorders. All too often it is the unsuspecting
parents who are blamed for a child's unacceptable and aggressive behavior.
Destructive and/or Disruptive Behavior Concerns in Children
Impulsive behavior in children often display as symptoms similar to other behavior
disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Impulse
control disorders in children are often misinterpreted as "bad behavior" by
teachers, friends and relatives. Symptoms present as one or more annoying or
frustrating habits:
- Scratching or picking at the skin
- Repeating words or phrases over and over
- Extreme defiance
- Aggressive behavior
- Destruction of belongings and/or others' property
- Stealing
- Running away for no apparent reason
- Demonstrating an irresistible obsession with elements such as fire or water
- Insomnia
As the child with impulse control disorders matures into adolescence and thus
grows in size and strength, the disturbing behaviors grow into harmful, if not
dangerous, uncontrollable impulses. For example, adult drivers who exhibit
frequent bouts of road rage may also be diagnosed as having an impulse control
behavior called intermittent explosive disorder.
| Impulse Control Disorders Appear as 'Bad Behavior' in Children and Acts of Aggression in Adults |
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The Most Common Impulse Control Disorders
Six primary categories define ICD:
Impulse control disorders include addictions to alcohol, drugs, substance
abuse, eating disorders, pedophilia, and sexual promiscuity. Compulsive
liars have an impulse control disorder. They go to great lengths to
deceive others and thus satisfy their uncontrollable urge.
Domestic violence, road rage and child abuse are categorized as
intermittent explosive disorders. Stealing (kleptomania) often leads to
shoplifting and repeated criminal activity. Compulsive gamblers lose not
only their money, but also jeopardize their reputation, career, and
family life. Acts of self-mutilation, such as nail-biting, picking at sores,
creating wounds, all bring a sense of pleasure and relief to the victim in
spite of the unattractive results.
Six primary categories define ICD:
- Intermittent Explosive Disorder (Violent anger – even in a child –
with or without provocation, and usually way out of proportion to
the cause.) - Pyromania (Repeated setting of fires.)
- Kleptomania (Stealing things that have little or no value to the
client.) - Obsessive Gambling (Inability to stop despite great loss.)
- Trichotillomania (Pulling one's own hair out from the scalp or body.)
- Not Otherwise Specified (Less common repeated habits that are
disturbing and possibly dangerous.)
Impulse control disorders include addictions to alcohol, drugs, substance
abuse, eating disorders, pedophilia, and sexual promiscuity. Compulsive
liars have an impulse control disorder. They go to great lengths to
deceive others and thus satisfy their uncontrollable urge.
Domestic violence, road rage and child abuse are categorized as
intermittent explosive disorders. Stealing (kleptomania) often leads to
shoplifting and repeated criminal activity. Compulsive gamblers lose not
only their money, but also jeopardize their reputation, career, and
family life. Acts of self-mutilation, such as nail-biting, picking at sores,
creating wounds, all bring a sense of pleasure and relief to the victim in
spite of the unattractive results.
Causes of Impulsive Behavior
The exact cause of impulse control disorders is unknown. However, research suggests that
impulsive tendencies may develop as a side effect from other medical conditions,
particularly traumatic head injury. ICD may stem from genetic disposition (epilepsy), or
abnormal neurological development during the prenatal period. It has been suggested that
certain chemical imbalances in the brain may preclude impulse control disorders and that
hormones such as testosterone may act as a contributor.
Stress and anxiety trigger acts of impulsive behavior. Impulsive actions are typically
preceded by feelings of tension and excitement and are followed by a sense of relief and
gratification. The client may or may not experience guilt or remorse, following an episode.
Most clients find their impulsive urges highly distressing and feel a loss of control over their
lives.
Diagnosing Impulse Control Disorders
Positive diagnosis of impulse control disorders is determined by ruling out other behavioral,
psychiatric, and relative physical conditions. A thorough examination may include (but is
not limited to) observing and recording exact behaviors on a daily basis for weeks at a time
to determine a type and frequency pattern.
Treating Personality Disorders
While there is no specific cure for personality disorders, a variety of treatment methods
are recognized in controlling impulsive behavior. Medication, behavior therapy, counseling,
and behavior modification are but a few available choices. Support groups, Gamblers
Anonymous, and Anger Management programs all serve clients in need of help.
Whatever mode of therapy or mental health treatment is chosen, it is vital that the client be closely
monitored to ensure beneficial and lasting results.
The exact cause of impulse control disorders is unknown. However, research suggests that
impulsive tendencies may develop as a side effect from other medical conditions,
particularly traumatic head injury. ICD may stem from genetic disposition (epilepsy), or
abnormal neurological development during the prenatal period. It has been suggested that
certain chemical imbalances in the brain may preclude impulse control disorders and that
hormones such as testosterone may act as a contributor.
Stress and anxiety trigger acts of impulsive behavior. Impulsive actions are typically
preceded by feelings of tension and excitement and are followed by a sense of relief and
gratification. The client may or may not experience guilt or remorse, following an episode.
Most clients find their impulsive urges highly distressing and feel a loss of control over their
lives.
Diagnosing Impulse Control Disorders
Positive diagnosis of impulse control disorders is determined by ruling out other behavioral,
psychiatric, and relative physical conditions. A thorough examination may include (but is
not limited to) observing and recording exact behaviors on a daily basis for weeks at a time
to determine a type and frequency pattern.
Treating Personality Disorders
While there is no specific cure for personality disorders, a variety of treatment methods
are recognized in controlling impulsive behavior. Medication, behavior therapy, counseling,
and behavior modification are but a few available choices. Support groups, Gamblers
Anonymous, and Anger Management programs all serve clients in need of help.
Whatever mode of therapy or mental health treatment is chosen, it is vital that the client be closely
monitored to ensure beneficial and lasting results.
August 2011