Impulse-control disorder (ICD) is a type of mental disorder characterized by "impulsivity."An impulsive behavior disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an inability to resist the urge to engage in certain types of behaviors, even if those tendencies are harmful to one or others. It is generally accepted that impulse control disturbances are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Other psychological problems, such as manic episodes in Bipolar Disorder, obsessive-compulsive impairment, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder, can cause impulsivity. Other disorders, such as affective disorder, drug, and alcohol abuse disorders are frequently diagnosed as having impulse control disorder. The behavioral stages of impulsivity are as follows: increasing tension, pleasure from acting, and release from urge guilt, which may or may not occur. These poorly understood conditions can cause major disruptions in the lives of patients and their families, as well as serious legal issues, psychological trauma, and abject poverty.

Symptoms of Impulse Control Disorder: Angry state of mind, getting angry out of rage and irritation towards others. Arguing is a type of behavior, rebellion against authority and others are to blame.

• Starting fires.
• Sudden explosive anger or acts of violence.
• Hair pulling.
• Participating in risky sexual behaviors.
• Stealing.
• Compulsive lying.
• Poor social skills
• Isolating oneself from family and friends.

Causes of Impulse Control Disorder

The major causes of impulse control disorder are multiple genes, environmental, and biological factors, which will be discussed further below.

1. Genetic - Impulse control disorders appear to have a strong genetic component, as is often the case with mental health disorders. Several studies have found that children and adolescents with impulse control disorders are more likely to have a first-degree relative with the same or a similar condition.

2. Environment - All children have difficulty with self-regulation and impulse control. Most children eventually learn to adhere to social norms in a healthy environment where appropriate behaviors and positive defense methods are modeled, though this process of learning may last into adulthood. For creating a good environment at the Workplace, engagement of the best EAP provider would be an excellent strategy for impulse control, well-being, and productivity.

3. Family Issues: Children who rise in families with violent behavior, structural, verbal, or psychological abuse, or frequent and uncontrollable violent outbursts are at a much-increased risk of getting an impulse control disorder. This is often used to take control in situations where they would be anything other than feel powerless.

4. Neuro-biological - Differences in how the brain functions, according to research, may result in impulsive behavior disorder. According to studies, when the prefrontal cortex, or the part of the brain that controls emotions, planning, and memory, becomes imbalanced as a result of structural and chemical changes, the individual is more likely to experience symptoms of impulse control disorder. 

Other Conditions

As we know the exact cause of ICDs isn’t known yet, but it’s considered that impulse control issues are related to chemical imbalances in the brain’s frontal lobe. The function of the frontal lobe is to control impulses. If there are changes in the brain, one may be at risk for impulse control issues.

ICDs could also be related to a group of disorders in DSM-5, referred to as disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders. These disorders may include:

• Conduct disorder. People exhibit anger and aggression that can pose a danger to other people, animals, and property.
• Intermittent explosive disorder. It causes angry and aggressive outbursts at home, school, and work.
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).  The patient may become easily angered, defiant, and argumentative, while also displaying vindictive behaviors. 

Treatment Options for Impulse Control Disorder

Because impulse control disorders do not manifest in the same way in every person, each treatment plan will be unique. Regardless, some common approaches for treating impulse control disorders include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - CBT is widely used in the treatment of impulse control disorders (and mental health disorders in general). CBT assists individuals in developing stress-reduction tools, challenging distressing thoughts that drive unhealthy behaviors (impulsivity), substituting approaches to emotion regulation for unhealthy behaviors, and preventing relapse. Comprehensive desensitization treatment, also known as going on to graduate systematic desensitization, is a type of cognitive therapy that has been shown to improve self-control in anxious situations.
• Psychotherapy and peer support - the group setting can provide additional emotional support. Group therapy is also a place where others who are dealing with similar difficulties can indeed relate to each other.

Obtaining Treatment for Impulsive Behavior Disorder

Individuals with impulse control disorders can live a happy and healthy life. Individual treatment methods vary, but in most cases, a combination of group therapy, one-on-one cognitive-behavioral therapy, mood stabilizers, or antidepressants is also being prescribed by a psychiatrist. For effective treatment, co-occurring disorders such as personality disorders, behavioral disorders, and substance abuse must also be diagnosed and treated.

How to help your child cope with ICDs

• Being a good role model for healthy behaviors
• Demonstrate by setting boundaries or limits and adhering to them
• Establishing a routine so your child knows what to expect
• Praise your child when they show good behavior
• Don’t fight with your partner in front of the child
• Practice relaxation & mindfulness with the child 

Coping Tips for ICDs to Adults

Adults having impulse control disorder have difficulty controlling their impulsive behaviors in the heat of the moment.  However, after the episode, they feel extremely remorse, guilt, and shame. This can lead to an anger cycle toward others as well. It’s important to talk to someone you trust like TalktoAngel, the No1 Online Anger Management Platform, about your struggles with impulse control. Having verified “best psychologist near me” may help you work through your aggressive behaviors while also helping you to  decrease the risk of depression, anxiety, anger, and irritability 

Last Words on Impulse Control Disorders - Although living with an Impulse Control Disorder can be frightening and difficult sometimes, you don't have to go through it alone. Talking to an Online counsellor or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member can significantly improve your mood. Getting help as soon as possible produces the best results, so if you're on the fence about asking for help, please do so. In almost all cases, proper guidance is required to recover from an impulse control disorder. This is due to the fact that the clinical signs, adverse reactions, and actions associated with impulse control disorders can quickly take over a person's life, affecting relationships, physical health and mental health, and overall quality of life and psychological well-being. As a result, the initial signs may be slow and even easy to dismiss. However, as the symptoms worsen, the frequency of the destructive behaviors will increase. As soon as you notice an impulse control disorder, you should consult with the Best Psychologist in India at TalktoAngel No. 1 Best Psychological Platform in Asia Pacific, for Online Counselling by a Top Clinical Psychologist. If you deal with it early on rather than allowing it to develop deep within your psyche.

Contributed by:  Dr.(Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, Ms. Swati Yadav