What are impulse control disorders?

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are mental health conditions that impair a person’s ability to manage their actions or behaviors. Despite the negative consequences of their behavior, without treatment, people with these conditions will often continue to behave in ways that harm themselves and others. This can include angry or violent outbursts, lying, cheating, stealing, destroying property, breaking the law, or other acts of defiance. 

Most ICDs (except kleptomania and pyromania) are typically diagnosed in childhood and appear to disproportionately affect people assigned male at birth. Research shows that ICDs are relatively common, affecting more than 10% of the U.S. population.

What can impulse control disorders look like?

Everyone can be impulsive sometimes. We all do and say things without thinking about the consequences once in a while, and sometimes, we regret those choices. However, acting impulsively occasionally isn’t the same as having an ICD. 

While ICDs can manifest in different ways for different people, here are some examples of what they can look like in real life:

• Someone accidentally bumps into you with their shopping cart at the grocery store. In response, you immediately lose your temper, invade their personal space, and start screaming at them to watch where they’re going.
• You’re constantly shoplifting, stealing even small items you have no real use for. You know you could get caught and face legal trouble, but it doesn’t seem to matter.
• During an argument with your partner, you go into a fit of rage and start breaking objects around your home. It feels impossible to stop, even after you cut yourself on something sharp.
• You lie constantly, for no apparent reason. Sometimes, it’s about little things, like what you had for dinner last night. But other times, you lie about big things that could lead to serious consequences. You lie even when it would be easier or less complicated for you to tell the truth.
• You’ve set fire to garbage cans, someone’s personal belongings, or buildings just for the enjoyment of it. You love the thrill of watching things burn even though you know someone could get hurt.

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What types of impulse control disorders are there?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), some of the most common ICDs include:

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

ODD is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Young people with ODD display an ongoing pattern of defiance, disobedience, and hostility toward authority figures. These behaviors are considered atypical for their age and are objectively harmful and/or disruptive. 

ODD often improves with age. In fact, research suggests that about 70% of young people with ODD will experience a significant reduction or resolution of their symptoms by the time they turn 18.

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)

IED involves a pattern of unplanned, aggressive behavior that’s out of proportion to the situation at hand. These outbursts are typically brief but can result in damage to property, animals, and people. 

IED is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. It’s a relatively common condition, with studies indicating that it affects nearly 8% of people in their lifetimes.

Conduct disorder (CD)

People with CD violate social norms with aggressive behavior that can seriously harm people, animals, and/or property. CD can also involve lying, deception, breaking the law, or violating rules in serious ways. 

CD is generally considered a more severe form of ODD, and about one-third of youth with ODD will later develop CD. 

Pyromania

Pyromania involves repeated, intense desires to start fires, no matter the consequences. This is different from being curious about burning things or engaging in arson for an intended purpose. Pyromania is characterized by an obsession with starting fires that can feel impossible to control. 

Compared to other ICDs, pyromania is relatively rare. It’s believed to affect about 1% of the U.S. population.

Kleptomania

Kleptomania is the clinical term for compulsive shoplifting. It’s characterized by a compulsive urge to steal items, often for the thrill or relief it brings, rather than out of necessity. People with kleptomania typically experience tension before stealing and feel pleasure or relief afterward.

While it’s a rare condition affecting a small percentage of the population, kleptomania can have a significant impact on both people living with the condition and the people they steal from.

Overlapping conditions

People with ICDs may be more likely to live with co-occurring mental health conditions. ICDs frequently occur with bipolar spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. That’s why it’s so important to access integrated care that reflects the full picture of your mental health if you’re concerned that you might have an ICD.

Four things you should know about impulse control disorders

There are some misconceptions about ICDs, and, unfortunately, this can keep people from getting the support they deserve. If you think that you or someone you care about is living with an ICD, here are some things you should know:

1. Myth: You can be diagnosed with ICD.
   Fact: As we’ve described throughout this article, several different mental health conditions fall under the category of ICDs. But it’s not a distinct diagnosis.

    

2. Myth: People with ICDs just like hurting people, being deceitful, or damaging things.
   Fact: For people with ICDs, these behaviors don’t feel like a choice. ICDs are mental health conditions, not a sign of a moral failing or weakness.

    

3. Myth: People with ICDs just need to be punished to correct their behavior.
   Fact: People with ICDs often experience legal trouble or other consequences for violating social norms. But punishment isn’t a cure for a mental health condition, and people with ICDs deserve treatment and support.

    

4. Myth: If a child develops an ICD, it’s all their parent’s fault.
   Fact: We don’t fully understand all the causes of ICDs. While environment and parenting can affect a child’s development, there are likely other causes of ICDs, like abnormal changes in the brain.

Find care with Rula

People with ICDs have extreme difficulty controlling their behavior. They may have angry or violent outbursts, engage in deception, or do things that may harm others or themselves. The behaviors brought on by ICDs can be very challenging both for affected individuals and other people. However, with therapy and other supports, people with ICDs can learn to regulate their behaviors and respond to stress in healthier ways.

If you or someone you care about needs affordable, accessible mental healthcare for an ICD or other condition, we invite you to explore Rula. With our network of over 10,000 providers, you can find a therapist who takes your insurance in just a few clicks. When you’re ready to start the process, head over to our therapist-matching program. You can select the right provider for your needs and schedule your first live video session for as soon as tomorrow.

Get started with Rula today