Impulse Control Disorder and Impulsive Behavior

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsBehavior vs. DisorderRisk FactorsTypes and TreatmentsFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Signs and Symptoms

Behavior vs. Disorder

Risk Factors

Types and Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

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An impulse control disorder is marked sudden, forceful, irresistible urges to do something that may violate the rights of others or conflict with societal norms. These impulsive behaviors may occur repeatedly, quickly, and without consideration of the consequences of the actions.

Pyromania(intentionally starting fires) andkleptomania(the urge to steal) are well-known types of impulsive disorders.Intermittent explosive disorder,trichotillomania(urge to pull your hair out),conduct disorder,oppositional defiant disorder, and unspecified impulse control disorder are a few others.

Signs and Symptoms of Impulse Control Disorder

There are signs and symptoms that may point to an impulse control disorder in some individuals. It is not always easy to identify this type of disorder, but the following may indicate a need for investigation.

When Behavior Becomes a Disorder

Typically, an impulsive action results from tension that has built to the point where the person can no longer resist it. The immediate sense of relief from acting on an impulsive behavior is short-lived, however.

Feelings such as guilt or shame may follow. Repeated impulsive acts may also lead to a number of negative consequences, such as greater emotional distress or regret, in the long term.

When the emotional toll of impulsive behavior becomes unmanageable or seriously disrupts everyday life, animpulse control disorderis a likely cause.

Risk Factors for Impulse Control Disorder

Both internal and external stressors are known triggers for impaired impulse control. Many types of impulse control disorders are thought to stem from underlying neurological vulnerabilities coupled with environmental stresses.

Some risk factors of an impulsive disorder include:

Certain chemical imbalances may contribute to an impulse control disorder in some individuals. Additional mental health issues, such asbipolarorpersonality disorders, often coexist in people with an impulse control disorder.

Types of Impulse Control Disorder and Treatments

The term impulse control disorder is a category of mental health problems. Treatments may differ for specific disorders.

Pyromania

People with this type of impulse control disorder deliberately start fires without regard to the destruction or injury their actions may cause. It is common for many convicted arsonists with evident pyromania to also have personality disorders such asantisocialandborderline personality disorders.

Research on treatments is somewhat limited because this condition is rare. That said, several case studies have found that various medications appear to help resolve this urge.Cognitive behavioral therapy techniquesalso offer some promise of effectiveness.

Kleptomania

Kleptomania is the constant and irresistible urge to steal. People who have this impulse control disorder often steal items that have little personal or monetary value.​

Kleptomania can have subtypes that are more likeobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), and others more similar to addictive andmood disorders. It is common for people with kleptomania (and their first-degree relatives) to also have psychiatric diagnoses or addiction issues.

Effective treatment options for kleptomania may vary depending on the subtype. Cognitive behavior therapy and medication have been shown to be effective, whilemood stabilizers,antidepressants, and opioid antagonist medications have also shown promise in certain circumstances.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Studies have found a link betweenpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)and intermittent explosive disorder.​

Individuals with intermittent explosive disorder may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy to learn relaxation and coping skills. Additionally, depending on symptoms and age, the person may also be prescribed medications such as antidepressants,antipsychotics, or mood regulators.

Trichotillomania

Trichois Greek for “hair,“tillomeans “pull,” andmaniais an excessive behavior or activity. Thus, trichotillomania involves a compulsive urge to pull out your own hair. This impulsive behavior is more common in children and teens. When it does appear in adults, women have it nine times as often as men.

Behavioral therapywith habit-reversal training components appears to be the most effective treatment for trichotillomania, but some medications have provided positive results as well.

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder involves patterns of behavior that can include being aggressive to people and animals, destroying property, theft or other deceitful actions, and serious rule violations. This disorder can appear in young children (even those in pre-school) and isn’t diagnosed beyond 18 years of age.

Conduct disorder andattention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) often go hand-in-hand. Having this impulse control disorder in childhood commonly precedes the development of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood.

Conduct disorder treatment typically involves engaging in therapy with the child’s parents or the entire family, Medications such asstimulantsandantipsychoticsmay also be prescribed, especially if this disorder co-occurs with ADHD.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Like with conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder is diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. Its symptoms include irritable mood, being argumentative or defiant, and engaging in vindictive behaviors.

Effective treatment of this impulse control disorder often involves some type ofpsychotherapy.If another disorder exists, or if severe aggression is exhibited, medications may be used as well.

Unspecified Impulse Control Disorder

If someone has impulses that don’t fit neatly into one of the other types, they may be diagnosed with unspecified impulse control disorder. Problematic internet use, for instance, may be classified as an unspecified impulse control disorder. Treatment varies based on the impulse symptoms and severity.

A Word From Verywell

If an impulse control disorder exists, a trained professional can provide a full evaluation and a comprehensive treatment program that builds and strengthens social skills. For example, a therapist may focus on problem-solving, ways to overcome a fixation with instant gratification, and strategies to curb impulses through techniques that help develop betterself-control.

In some cases, medications can also enhance the treatment process, especially if there are other co-existing conditions. The type of medication prescribed can vary depending on which disorder exists.

Frequently Asked QuestionsExcessive gambling is no longer considered an impulse control disorder. Pathological gambling disorder used to be classified as an unspecified impulse control disorder, but theDSM-5now categorizes it as an addiction.Learn More:Problem Gambling and Gambling AddictionGenetics, substance use, and trauma can all increase the risk of an impulsive disorder. Certain medications can also lead to the development of an impulse control disorder, such as dopamine agonists often prescribed for Parkinson’s disease.Learn More:What Is a Dopamine Agonist?In a study involving 293 adults, just under one-third (32.8%) were found to have an impulse control disorder.Impulse control disorder prevalence is slightly higher in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, affecting up to 40% of those with this condition.This is largely due to medication side effects.The number of children with impulse control issues varies depending on the type. For instance, oppositional defiance disorder affects roughly 3.3% of children while the prevalence of conduct disorder is somewhere between 1.5% and 3.4%.Creating routines, setting limits, and praising appropriate behavior are all ways to help a child with impulse control issues develop healthy behaviors. So can modeling the behaviors you want to see and only picking battles with them that are the most important.

Excessive gambling is no longer considered an impulse control disorder. Pathological gambling disorder used to be classified as an unspecified impulse control disorder, but theDSM-5now categorizes it as an addiction.Learn More:Problem Gambling and Gambling Addiction

Excessive gambling is no longer considered an impulse control disorder. Pathological gambling disorder used to be classified as an unspecified impulse control disorder, but theDSM-5now categorizes it as an addiction.

Learn More:Problem Gambling and Gambling Addiction

Genetics, substance use, and trauma can all increase the risk of an impulsive disorder. Certain medications can also lead to the development of an impulse control disorder, such as dopamine agonists often prescribed for Parkinson’s disease.Learn More:What Is a Dopamine Agonist?

Genetics, substance use, and trauma can all increase the risk of an impulsive disorder. Certain medications can also lead to the development of an impulse control disorder, such as dopamine agonists often prescribed for Parkinson’s disease.

Learn More:What Is a Dopamine Agonist?

In a study involving 293 adults, just under one-third (32.8%) were found to have an impulse control disorder.Impulse control disorder prevalence is slightly higher in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, affecting up to 40% of those with this condition.This is largely due to medication side effects.The number of children with impulse control issues varies depending on the type. For instance, oppositional defiance disorder affects roughly 3.3% of children while the prevalence of conduct disorder is somewhere between 1.5% and 3.4%.

In a study involving 293 adults, just under one-third (32.8%) were found to have an impulse control disorder.Impulse control disorder prevalence is slightly higher in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, affecting up to 40% of those with this condition.This is largely due to medication side effects.

The number of children with impulse control issues varies depending on the type. For instance, oppositional defiance disorder affects roughly 3.3% of children while the prevalence of conduct disorder is somewhere between 1.5% and 3.4%.

Creating routines, setting limits, and praising appropriate behavior are all ways to help a child with impulse control issues develop healthy behaviors. So can modeling the behaviors you want to see and only picking battles with them that are the most important.

14 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang JF, Wang XX, Feng Y, Fekete R, Jankovic J, Wu YC.Impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:635494. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.635494Burton PRS, McNiel DE, Binder RL.Firesetting, arson, pyromania, and the forensic mental health expert.J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2012;(40)3:355-365.Johnson RS, Netherton E.Fire setting and the impulse-control disorder of pyromania.Am J Psychiatry. 2017;11(7):14-16. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2016.110707Talih FR.Kleptomania and potential exacerbating factors: A review and case report.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(10):35-9.Fanning JR, Lee R, Coccaro EF.Comorbid intermittent explosive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Clinical correlates and relationship to suicidal behavior.Compr Psychiatry. 2016;70:125-33. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.05.018Cleveland Clinic.Intermittent explosive disorder.Cleveland Clinic.Trichotillomania.Farhat LC, Olfson E, Nasir M, et al.Pharmacological and behavioral treatment for trichotillomania: An updated systematic review with meta-analysis.Depress Anxiety. 2020;37(8):715-727. doi:10.1002/da.23028American Psychiatric Association.What are disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders?.Fairchild G, Hawes D, Frick P, et al.Conduct disorder.Nature Rev Disease Primers. 2019;5:43. doi:10.1038/s41572-019-0095-yGhosh A, Ray A, Basu A.Oppositional defiant disorder: Current insight.Psychol Res Behav Manage. 2017;10:353-367. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S120582Terrone G, Musetti A, Raschielli S, et al.Attachment relationships and internalization and externalization problems in a group of adolescents with pathological gambling disorder.Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2018;15(1):66-74.Chamberlain SR, Grant JE.Minnesota Impulse Disorders Interview (MIDI): Validation of a structured diagnostic clinical interview for impulse control disorders in an enriched community sample.Psychiatry Res. 2018;265:279-283. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.006Cossu G, Rinaldi R, Colosimo C.The rise and fall of impulse control behavior disorders.Parkinsonism Related Disord. 2018;46(1):S24-S29. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.017.07.030Additional ReadingFranklin ME, Zagrabbe K, Benavides KL.Trichotillomania and its treatment: a review and recommendations.Expert Rev Neurother. 2011;11(8):1165-1174. doi:10.1586/ern.11.93Grant JE, Odlaug BL.Kleptomania: Clinical features and treatment.Braz J Psychiatry. 2008;30(1):S11-S15. doi:10.1590/S1516-44462006005000054

14 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang JF, Wang XX, Feng Y, Fekete R, Jankovic J, Wu YC.Impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:635494. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.635494Burton PRS, McNiel DE, Binder RL.Firesetting, arson, pyromania, and the forensic mental health expert.J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2012;(40)3:355-365.Johnson RS, Netherton E.Fire setting and the impulse-control disorder of pyromania.Am J Psychiatry. 2017;11(7):14-16. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2016.110707Talih FR.Kleptomania and potential exacerbating factors: A review and case report.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(10):35-9.Fanning JR, Lee R, Coccaro EF.Comorbid intermittent explosive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Clinical correlates and relationship to suicidal behavior.Compr Psychiatry. 2016;70:125-33. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.05.018Cleveland Clinic.Intermittent explosive disorder.Cleveland Clinic.Trichotillomania.Farhat LC, Olfson E, Nasir M, et al.Pharmacological and behavioral treatment for trichotillomania: An updated systematic review with meta-analysis.Depress Anxiety. 2020;37(8):715-727. doi:10.1002/da.23028American Psychiatric Association.What are disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders?.Fairchild G, Hawes D, Frick P, et al.Conduct disorder.Nature Rev Disease Primers. 2019;5:43. doi:10.1038/s41572-019-0095-yGhosh A, Ray A, Basu A.Oppositional defiant disorder: Current insight.Psychol Res Behav Manage. 2017;10:353-367. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S120582Terrone G, Musetti A, Raschielli S, et al.Attachment relationships and internalization and externalization problems in a group of adolescents with pathological gambling disorder.Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2018;15(1):66-74.Chamberlain SR, Grant JE.Minnesota Impulse Disorders Interview (MIDI): Validation of a structured diagnostic clinical interview for impulse control disorders in an enriched community sample.Psychiatry Res. 2018;265:279-283. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.006Cossu G, Rinaldi R, Colosimo C.The rise and fall of impulse control behavior disorders.Parkinsonism Related Disord. 2018;46(1):S24-S29. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.017.07.030Additional ReadingFranklin ME, Zagrabbe K, Benavides KL.Trichotillomania and its treatment: a review and recommendations.Expert Rev Neurother. 2011;11(8):1165-1174. doi:10.1586/ern.11.93Grant JE, Odlaug BL.Kleptomania: Clinical features and treatment.Braz J Psychiatry. 2008;30(1):S11-S15. doi:10.1590/S1516-44462006005000054

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Zhang JF, Wang XX, Feng Y, Fekete R, Jankovic J, Wu YC.Impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:635494. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.635494Burton PRS, McNiel DE, Binder RL.Firesetting, arson, pyromania, and the forensic mental health expert.J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2012;(40)3:355-365.Johnson RS, Netherton E.Fire setting and the impulse-control disorder of pyromania.Am J Psychiatry. 2017;11(7):14-16. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2016.110707Talih FR.Kleptomania and potential exacerbating factors: A review and case report.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(10):35-9.Fanning JR, Lee R, Coccaro EF.Comorbid intermittent explosive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Clinical correlates and relationship to suicidal behavior.Compr Psychiatry. 2016;70:125-33. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.05.018Cleveland Clinic.Intermittent explosive disorder.Cleveland Clinic.Trichotillomania.Farhat LC, Olfson E, Nasir M, et al.Pharmacological and behavioral treatment for trichotillomania: An updated systematic review with meta-analysis.Depress Anxiety. 2020;37(8):715-727. doi:10.1002/da.23028American Psychiatric Association.What are disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders?.Fairchild G, Hawes D, Frick P, et al.Conduct disorder.Nature Rev Disease Primers. 2019;5:43. doi:10.1038/s41572-019-0095-yGhosh A, Ray A, Basu A.Oppositional defiant disorder: Current insight.Psychol Res Behav Manage. 2017;10:353-367. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S120582Terrone G, Musetti A, Raschielli S, et al.Attachment relationships and internalization and externalization problems in a group of adolescents with pathological gambling disorder.Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2018;15(1):66-74.Chamberlain SR, Grant JE.Minnesota Impulse Disorders Interview (MIDI): Validation of a structured diagnostic clinical interview for impulse control disorders in an enriched community sample.Psychiatry Res. 2018;265:279-283. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.006Cossu G, Rinaldi R, Colosimo C.The rise and fall of impulse control behavior disorders.Parkinsonism Related Disord. 2018;46(1):S24-S29. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.017.07.030

Zhang JF, Wang XX, Feng Y, Fekete R, Jankovic J, Wu YC.Impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:635494. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.635494

Burton PRS, McNiel DE, Binder RL.Firesetting, arson, pyromania, and the forensic mental health expert.J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2012;(40)3:355-365.

Johnson RS, Netherton E.Fire setting and the impulse-control disorder of pyromania.Am J Psychiatry. 2017;11(7):14-16. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2016.110707

Talih FR.Kleptomania and potential exacerbating factors: A review and case report.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(10):35-9.

Fanning JR, Lee R, Coccaro EF.Comorbid intermittent explosive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Clinical correlates and relationship to suicidal behavior.Compr Psychiatry. 2016;70:125-33. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.05.018

Cleveland Clinic.Intermittent explosive disorder.

Cleveland Clinic.Trichotillomania.

Farhat LC, Olfson E, Nasir M, et al.Pharmacological and behavioral treatment for trichotillomania: An updated systematic review with meta-analysis.Depress Anxiety. 2020;37(8):715-727. doi:10.1002/da.23028

American Psychiatric Association.What are disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders?.

Fairchild G, Hawes D, Frick P, et al.Conduct disorder.Nature Rev Disease Primers. 2019;5:43. doi:10.1038/s41572-019-0095-y

Ghosh A, Ray A, Basu A.Oppositional defiant disorder: Current insight.Psychol Res Behav Manage. 2017;10:353-367. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S120582

Terrone G, Musetti A, Raschielli S, et al.Attachment relationships and internalization and externalization problems in a group of adolescents with pathological gambling disorder.Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2018;15(1):66-74.

Chamberlain SR, Grant JE.Minnesota Impulse Disorders Interview (MIDI): Validation of a structured diagnostic clinical interview for impulse control disorders in an enriched community sample.Psychiatry Res. 2018;265:279-283. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.006

Cossu G, Rinaldi R, Colosimo C.The rise and fall of impulse control behavior disorders.Parkinsonism Related Disord. 2018;46(1):S24-S29. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.017.07.030

Franklin ME, Zagrabbe K, Benavides KL.Trichotillomania and its treatment: a review and recommendations.Expert Rev Neurother. 2011;11(8):1165-1174. doi:10.1586/ern.11.93Grant JE, Odlaug BL.Kleptomania: Clinical features and treatment.Braz J Psychiatry. 2008;30(1):S11-S15. doi:10.1590/S1516-44462006005000054

Franklin ME, Zagrabbe K, Benavides KL.Trichotillomania and its treatment: a review and recommendations.Expert Rev Neurother. 2011;11(8):1165-1174. doi:10.1586/ern.11.93

Grant JE, Odlaug BL.Kleptomania: Clinical features and treatment.Braz J Psychiatry. 2008;30(1):S11-S15. doi:10.1590/S1516-44462006005000054

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