Impulse Control Disorders
Impulse Control Disorders
A largely ignored, cast-aside family of disorders that are faced quite commonly by people worldwide are Impulse Control Disorders, disorders that go largely underrepresented, even on mental health platforms such as this. People with these forms of disorders can feel alienated when people unaware come into contact with them. There is a significant amount of shame surrounding this subject, awareness is rarely spread, and not much work has put into preventing the stigma these people face. So, to prevent further harm to those in the community who suffer from said disorders, please read on to find out more about impulse control disorders.
What are Impulse Control Disorders?
Have you ever had an itch in public that you werent allowed to scratch? The sensation and tension of that itch built up over time and created stress until you seemingly couldnt take it anymore. When you finally itch that scratch, there is a euphoric relief that takes place.
This is basically how an impulse control disorder feels.
It is an urge to engage in an unusual behavior, an immense impulse so strong that most people who live with one of these disorders become unaware of how often they do it subconsciously or cannot get through the day without giving in- similar to a compulsion a person with OCD wants to maintain.
5 Stages of Behavior
1. Impulse - the urge emerges
2. Stress - the tension builds as time goes on
3. Happiness - giving into the compulsion
4. Relief - tension is alleviated
5. Guilt - shame that giving in took place, tension begins again
Types of Impulse Control Disorders
- Intermittent Explosive
Sudden, regularly occurring, aggressive outbursts that can involve impulsive, violent, or angry behavior (domestic abuse, road rage, temper tantrums, etc.) These outbursts get in the way of regular life, tearing apart relationships, work opportunities, and yield significant consequences. These episodes usually occur with little to no warning and last upwards of 30 minutes in total.
- Kleptomania
Stealing continuously, uncontrollably, and repetitively, even when the object is not of value or use to the person. This can affect children from age 4 up to people who have reached adulthood and can get the person in serious legal and financial trouble if it is not addressed and treated. Kleptomaniacs experience mass amounts of guilt in most cases for what they have done and attempt to return items they have hoarded at home. This oftentimes leads to arrests.
- Pyromania
Purposeful fire-starting in order to achieve relief, gratification of an emotional or sexual nature, and a deep-seeded interest in fires in general. The pyromaniac is not an arsonist who may do it in fits of rebellion or for a gain of some kind- the act of setting the fires is simply an impulse they must fulfill to get relief. Pyromaniacs are very likely to also be suffering from depression.
- Trichotillomania
Involves the intentional pulling of hair in a repetitive fashion, resulting in an observable amount of hair loss. The hair loss usually results in social anxiety as they are ashamed of their appearance. This distress can also get in the way of relationships with others, work, and group outings. This is one of the most common impulse control disorders.
- Pathological Gambling
Gambling at a constant rate that regularly puts the person at risk. It becomes like an addiction of sorts and usually ends up tearing apart the persons relationships and finances. It commonly leads to divorce and bankruptcy. It is most prevalent in younger men primarily, but women who hold this disorder begin acting destructively faster. They are also likely to get into legal trouble because they will go much farther than the confines of the law in order to fund the gambling. Suicide attempts are very common among carriers.
- Skin Picking
Tissue is damaged as a result of picking skin off on a regular basis. Picking skin usually takes places for several hours each day and commonly occurs on the face, but is also commonly done to other sections of the body (chest, legs, hands, neck, etc). This creates scars and sometimes infections. People who pick their skin usually feel extremely scared and ashamed in social situations, truly repulsed by the way they look.
- Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Sexual impulses that take over a persons way of life, result in sexually deviant behavior, and become unable to be controlled. This one is extremely common compared to these other disorders and can result in the person getting into legal trouble. Pornography, fetishism, and using sex as a way to get through the day are common traits of this disorder. It can get them into financial trouble if they are hiring people to have sex with or purchasing lots of pornography. It can also be detrimental to their social life as others may see them as corrupt, gross, and dangerous which can sometimes cost them their job or end relationships that were once important to them.
- Compulsive Shopping
Though it isnt recognized officially as a disorder, it is technically seen as a type of impulse control issue. This is when a person constantly shops, usually making regrettable purchases that are not necessary or affordable. There is a certain relief it brings which turns into shame as the buyer realizes what they have done. Most of the items bought are returned or unused and leave the person in debt. The amount of shopping usually ends up hurting relationships as they may be using a partners money to buy things and financial troubles when too much money is spent.
What causes these disorders?
It may be caused by genetics, being raised around abuse or violence, and unbalanced serotonin levels. If the person has a family history of these disorders, is a trauma survivor, is young, or is male, they have a higher chance of having one of these disorders as well. It may also coexist with prior mental conditions that aggravate these disorders like depression, GAD, and OCD.
How to help someone with an Impulse Control Disorder
Once you are aware that someone has one of these disorders, make sure to support them emotionally through this challenging time. Be sure to remain non-judgemental no matter how crazy the problem may seem. Show them that you care through conversation, acknowledgment of their sorrow, and checking up on them regularly.
Try to encourage this person to talk to engage in psychotherapy which will provide them ways to cope with their impulses. The most successful types of behavioral management may be habit reversal- a therapy which involves the person replacing their current impulse with a less harmful one, suggesting they see a psychiatrist to get medication that rectifies chemical imbalances that may be influencing their behavior, and placing said person in an impulse control facility so as to rehabilitate a person who is extremely out of control and needs to be surveilled and trained to function in society correctly again.
Even giving their doctor a note or article about these disorders could be a great first step if the person is scared or unsure of how to start getting treatment. Support groups are also available online and locally if finances are an issue.
Having read this and gone over the specific types, causes, and treatment options for these disorders, lets hold a discussion below!
Questions to answer in the discussion below:
1. What are your insights on this issue?
2. Do you, or anyone you know, have experience with these disorders?
3. What coping mechanisms have you developed to combat urges?
4. How can you support those around you who are suffering from this?
5. What factors likely played a role in the development of this disorder for you or a loved one?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this! I hope you learned something new!
Resources for tips and further information:
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Useful Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHPtDhvPTlw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH46Nm1QOcg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrnTKTqF96Q
References:
Grant, John E., Brian L. Odlaug, and Suck Won Kim. "Impulse Control Disorders: Clinical Characteristics and Pharmacological Management." Psychiatric Times. N.p., 02 June 2013. Web. 13 Jan. 2018.
Jones, Dylan. "Impulse Control Disorders." YouTube. YouTube, 20 Jan. 2013. Web. 13 Jan. 2018.
"Impulse Control Disorders and Treatment Options." Luxury.Rehabs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2018.
"Impulse Control Disorder Symptoms & Signs." Rolling Hills Hospital. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2018.
@keara423 My best friend growing up was pretty impulsive. Her mom was too. I remember one time we were standing on a line to buy muffins and coffee and my friend was holding a fork. My friend's brain told her, "Hey, it would be really funny if you stabbed that fork into Blinkk's stryofoam coffee cup." She did it without thinking. Coffee spilled on everything! She thought it was funny, and that was all she needed to do the action.
She does stuff like that a lot. If she thinks something is funny, she'll do it, even if it makes no sense.
Luckily, our friendgroup thought she was hilarious. We were ok with the way she was and we never gave her a hard time. I think there's a beauty in accepting someone for the way they are. If the person is dangerous or damaging, then we gatta intervene. I hear therapists say that phrase, "interrupting daily life," so that's a boundary as well. I don't think my friend ever needed intervention, but she def had this. I couldn't imagine having the impulse to steal. That could ruin a person's life.
@Blinkk
Sometimes it can definitely be manageable! I am so glad she had accepting friends like you. It can feel very alienating at times to live with any one of these disorders.
There are times when outside help is definitely necessary, but, for some, just having a support system can help them harness their tendencies and live a better life!
I really loved this post, @keara423 :)
It was so informative; I didn't know that this umbrella term even existed - "Impulse Control Disorders." I had always thought it was just anxiety-related and that's it. This was very educational. Incredible insight! :D
I had heard of some of these issues before, but was not aware that they were Impulse Control Disorders. Very informative, thank you for posting!
Would over Eating be an impulse disorder since I getthe same exact steps:
urge
tension
happiness when giving in
relief
guilt and shame because I over ate?
@ballroomdancer81 That's an awesome question! As you might know already, the DSM-5 is kind of like the mental illness library. In this new update, binge eating was classified as a disorder. It wasn't like this before. There is a lot of controversy about where it should be placed. A lot of people think it should be under impulse control disorders as there is an urge like you mentioned, and all the following steps. However, many also consider it to be sort of like an addiction, therefore placing it under the substance abuse and related disorders category. Right now, though, it's categorized as an eating disorder.
@ZizyTheTurtle as someone who suffers from it I would categorize it as impulse control and eating disorder and addiction. Its really all three and quite serious!
@keara423
I think I have the compulsive shopping issue. I stemmed from depression and gets worse when I am panicked about something. It's a form of distraction away from the stress. However,.I regret my purchases and often unable to return them ( e.g. David's tea loose leaf teas, Starbucks coffee - I don't drink coffee, jewelery on final sale, charity donations, auctions for art pieces, etc). I end up spending more than I should. It frightens me that I might loose all my money this way. I don't even want any of that stuff, I usually end up giving it away. I got a new job that pays me squat, so that means I have less of a buffer to brace the impact of spending.
Firstly, I would like to congradulate you on such a lovely honours project! I actually did mine on trichotillomania, which is often considered an ICD!
1. What are your insights on this issue?
I think that ICDs are often in the shadow of OCD, and often thought of as habits rather than disorders- they are belittled in a way.
2. Do you, or anyone you know, have experience with these disorders?
The female line of my family all have ICDs- I have OCD, trichotillomania and dermatillomania, and my mother and grandmother both have dermatillomania.
3. What coping mechanisms have you developed to combat urges?
I have a whole list on my honours project, but the main one for me is keeping my hands busy- may it be origami, a spinner ring, piano, anything.
4. How can you support those around you who are suffering from this?
I think being aware and helping them to notice when they are doing things that are damaging etc.
5. What factors likely played a role in the development of this disorder for you or a loved one?
Anxiety! I have suffered from anxiety for the entire time I've had ICDs and when I'm more anxious I definitely pick more. Keeping my anxiety at bay is a real struggle, but it is the one thing that helps me to stop with the impulses.
Again, a massive congratulations- you should be very proud!
1. What are your insights on this issue?
My insight on this issue is based on my experience of being a compulsive gambler over a number of years, throwing myself in to debt & ruining my relationships.
I believe that my gambling wasn't really about 'gambling' so to speak, it was an outlet for me to release my frustrations.
I lost my Mum young & was bullied on & off up until I was around 14, which I believe are factors that lead me into gambling compulsively. Gambling gave me instant gratification & got me into a 'dream' world.
I do have an addictive personality & I think my personality mixed with my experiences led to addiction.
I didn't have any positive assertive figures in my family of origin & I believe this is a factor that led to my being bullied.
2. Do you, or anyone you know, have experience with these disorders?
I have first hand experience of pathological gambling & know several pathological gamblers.
3. What coping mechanisms have you developed to combat urges?
I try to live one day only & not tackle my whole life problem at once. I am reading the 7cups guides to help me become more assertive & get what I want out of life, rather than being passive.
4. How can you support those around you who are suffering from this?
By attending regular support groups & posting on here :)
5. What factors likely played a role in the development of this disorder for you or a loved one?
As per question 1. I do also pick the skin on my head a lot also. The bullying was based around my looks, so that is definitely a factor. Loss of a parent. I believe this intertwined with a lack of positive, assertive figures in my life & my nature led to me gambling!
@crimsonTalker6672 so what do you get out of picking your head? What does it make you feel?
@crimsonTalker6672 Good luck with your challenges. Your strength shown so far is marvellously inspiring 👍👍👍