Understanding the nature of an Impulse Control Disorder

Content Warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention topics that include prescription medication, abuse of medication, and addiction. The information found in the article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have.

Impulse control disorders are a group of mental health disorders that affect a person’s emotional regulation and behaviors. People with one of these disorders may find it difficult to not act on their impulses, which can lead to negative consequences. There are times when many of us may have an urge to do something spontaneously or risky, but people with impulse control disorders often feel incapable of working against these negative thought patterns.

It can be difficult for others to be around a person who is unable to control their impulses, and it may be challenging to feel sympathy for their actions. This can cause serious rifts in romantic, familial and platonic relationships. Feeling isolated can also lead to greater mental health challenges for the person who has the disorder, and make it hard for them to better manage their symptoms.

Impulse control disorders are serious mental health disorders. People who experience them are not in control of their thought patterns, and shame or guilt is not an effective way to discourage future negative behavior. If you are experiencing the symptoms of an impulse control disorder, know that you are not alone. There are plenty of people who have found ways to manage their disorder effectively with treatment and patience.

If you think you may have an impulse control disorder, seeking out the advice of a mental health professional is crucial. Like many mental health disorders, impulse control disorders are highly treatable. With the help of a licensed therapist you can discover new ways to cope and manage your impulses, and improve your overall quality of life.

Why Impulse Control Disorders Can Be Damaging

People with impulse control disorders may deal with obsessive thoughts and impulses that affect their ability to live their day to day life productively. They may feel constantly distracted by their surroundings and urges, and deal with emotional side effects from their behavior. These disorders cause a shift in the way a person thinks and regulates their emotions. It can be overwhelming, scary and cause tension in their personal relationships.

A person who occasionally makes irrational decisions doesn’t necessarily have this kind of disorder. Impulse control disorders are defined by how much it has an impact on a person’s life, and the consistency of their actions. A person who has an impulse control disorder may regularly have trouble stopping themselves from acting in impulsive or explosive ways. This can be challenging for them, and their loved ones.

Medication can be helpful for some people who manage the symptoms of an impulse control disorder. It’s also possible that medication is prescribed for these individuals in order to help them cope with other mental health conditions that are co-occurring. These medications are often used to treat hyperactive behavior, and to give their minds the chance to work against negative thought patterns. It’s important to only take medication that has been prescribed to you by a mental health professional.

Impulse control disorders are highly treatable with the help of a licensed therapist. By taking a closer look at the symptoms that a person is experiencing, a therapist can offer guidance on how to challenge impulsive thought patterns head on. Though it can take some time for a person to feel that they can manage the symptoms of their disorder, doing so can make lasting change on a person’s overall well being. Reaching out for help is the first step in managing an impulse control disorder, and doing so can open up new doors and possibilities.

 

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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