Impulse control disorders are a severe lack of self-regulation. This can take form as an inability to control immediate reactions or difficulties concentrating. Impulsiveness makes it difficult to consider consequences of actions, completing tasks quietly, or not interrupting conversation.

Symptoms of Impulse Control Disorders

• frequent bouts of uncontrollable anger
• irresistible urges to gamble, start fires, steal
• hair pulling or skin picking
• excessive immaturity

Causes

Impulsivity is caused by a myriad of factors. It seems as if it is caused primarily by unstable or drastically changed environment, such as a household experiencing the loss of a parent, but it can also be caused by traumatic brain injury. Some causes of impulsivity could be related to other mental health complications, such as ADHD or OCD or borderline personality.

Treatment

Sometimes, medication can alleviate impulsivity, such as certain anti-depressants. Therapy is also an extremely effective treatment for impulse control disorders. A therapist can help clients to develop healthy self-esteem, and get to any underlying cause of impulsivity. Clients discover consideration of consequences and learn to reroute impulsive behaviors such as impulse spending or eating to more healthy alternatives.

We Can Help

Open Path’s therapists offer beneficial services that encourage insight, self-reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms. Our therapists can give guidance for emotional regulation and prioritization to aid for workplace or school related achievement.

Interested in seeing one of our therapists for an affordable rate? Start your search here.

SEARCH FOR A THERAPIST