Key Takeaways
- People with impulse control disorders (ICDs) may exhibit uncontrolled aggressive or violent behavior. Without support, these behaviors can cause the person to harm themselves, others, animals, or property.
- Impulse control disorders are usually diagnosed in childhood but can persist into adulthood. While there’s no cure for these conditions, they can be managed with the right support.
- Impulse control disorders are typically treated with therapy, medication (if needed), and parental support. However, your treatment plan should reflect your unique needs, strengths, and challenges.
Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are a group of mental health conditions that make it difficult to regulate behavior. They include:
- Conduct disorder (CD)
- Kleptomania
- Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Pyromania
Typically first recognized in childhood or adolescence, these conditions are characterized by impulsive or aggressive reactions. These behaviors are more serious than the typical limit testing that most young people engage in. Instead, people with ICDs may frequently violate rules, laws, and social norms. This can lead to academic, occupational, and social problems and an increased risk of interacting with the criminal justice system.
People with ICDs may recognize that their behavior is dangerous or problematic, but they may still struggle to control it. This can be a frustrating, confusing experience. But help is available. With the right support, people of all ages with ICDs can improve their ability to self-regulate and learn to respond to triggers in healthier ways.
Can impulse control disorders be cured?
The average age of onset for ICDs is 11. But symptoms may begin to manifest as early as the preschool or elementary school years. ICDs can persist into adulthood, even with treatment. And while there’s no cure for ICDs, early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
With comprehensive care tailored to each person’s unique needs, people with ICDs can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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What are the treatment options for impulse control disorders?
There are several different treatment options for impulse control disorders. Here are some of the most common approaches:
Therapy
Two of the most popular therapies for treating ICDs are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and multisystemic therapy (MST). These types of therapy can help reduce unwanted behaviors and encourage thoughtful decision-making. Multisystemic therapy can strengthen positive coping skills, helping people explore the connection between their environment and their behaviors. CBT also focuses on coping skills but does this by helping people understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Support for parents
Parents of children with ICDs can be an important part of their child’s recovery. Through supports like parent management training (PMT), parents can learn to provide consistent, nonviolent discipline, appropriately reward and encourage positive behaviors, and help their children learn new skills.
Medication
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for ICDs. However, medications may be used to treat co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression. Your provider can help you determine whether medication might be a helpful addition to your treatment plan.
Other ways to cope with an impulse control disorder
While not a replacement for professional help, individual coping strategies can strengthen your mental health and resist the urge to act on impulses.
- Increase your self-awareness: People with ICDs may experience warning signals before an outburst or unwanted reaction. For example, you might experience your heart rate increase or racing thoughts. Recognizing these signs can give you a chance to make a healthy choice before reacting impulsively.
- Practice mindfulness (or other stress-reduction techniques): Mindfulness is a simple practice that you can do almost anywhere, anytime. It just means slowing down enough to notice what’s happening in your mind, body, and environment without judgment. Research shows that it can be a helpful way to reduce impulsive behavior.
- Care for your physical well-being: Our minds and bodies are closely linked. Maintaining your physical health with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent sleep can have a positive impact on your mental health.
- Stay engaged with care: ICDs are serious mental health conditions. Left untreated, they can have many negative consequences and impact your ability to function in daily life. So, if you’ve been diagnosed with one, it’s important to continue to stay engaged with treatment, even when your goals or needs evolve.
Build your treatment plan with professional support
Your treatment experience will be based on your unique needs. After conducting a thorough evaluation and ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis, you and your provider can co-create a treatment plan that’s right for you. Together, you’ll choose interventions based on which ICD(s) you’re diagnosed with, the severity of your symptoms, and your existing strengths and challenges.
I have seen the most effective approach for treating impulse control disorders being parent management training along with individual therapy for the child focused on understanding themselves and their emotions to promote self-regulation.
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Everyone breaks the rules or acts impulsively once in a while. However, people with ICDs struggle to control their behavior in ways that can lead to serious harm. Without support, these behaviors can interrupt academic, occupational, social, and daily functioning. But fortunately, with therapy, family support (if appropriate), and self-care, people with ICDs can improve their ability to self-regulate and learn to respond to triggers in healthier ways.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 10,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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