Understanding and Treating Impulse Control Disorders

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) should not be thought of as only a few careless or uncontrolled moments. They are significant conditions that make it difficult for a person to quit risky practices and urges. When these problems are ignored, they may cause difficulties in a person’s daily routine, damage their relationships and even bring legal or money-related issues.

Here at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions, we are aware of how complicated impulse control disorders may be and provide effective, loving therapies to help people manage their behaviors properly.

What Are Impulse Control Disorders?

People with impulse control disorders constantly find it hard to control their actions when they want to hurt themselves or people around them. She keeps repeating such behaviors, but they make her feel better short-term, until she feels guilty or regrets her actions.

Some of the main impulse control disorders are:

• In Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), people lose their temper in serious ways that do not match the situation at hand.
• People with kleptomania have an urgent need to take away things without any obvious reason.
• Pyromania makes someone unable to control the urge to set fires, usually as a way to deal with strong emotions, rather than with bad intentions.
• Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) refers to people who repeatedly pull out their own hair which results in losing it.
• Gambling Disorder refers to a pattern of constant and troublesome gambling that causes serious issues in a person’s life.

Many times, these situations are related to emotional problems, past trauma or other mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression or using drugs or alcohol.

Symptoms of Impulse Control Disorders

The symptoms of mental disorders change from one condition to another, but in general, some warning signs are:

• Frequently taking part in activities that are dangerous even after experiencing their negative effects
• Having difficult emotions or a sense of tension just before you act
• Having relaxed or pleasurable emotions during the sexual act
• Guilt, shame or regret can appear after you engage in such behavior.
• Not being able to manage the behavior as time goes by

These disorders may start when people are children or adolescents and, unless managed, may continue into adulthood.

Causes and Risk Factors

Impulse control disorders happen for unknown reasons, but some elements may play a role in their development.

• A family history of such disorders may make developing a mental health problem more likely.
• Changes in brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may lead to neurological problems.
• Experiencing childhood trauma, abuse or neglect may affect a person’s ability to regulate emotions.
• Often, ADHD, OCD or mood disorders occur in people who also have control over their impulses.

It is very important to recognize the signs of dementia quickly and get assistance to improve a person’s future well-being.

Treatment at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions

We help patients who have impulse control disorders by providing a full and personal care plan. We use clinical knowledge and kindness to help people recover from their injuries.

1. Individual Therapy:

We help clients learn about their habits and reactions by using CBT.

2. Group Therapy:

Attending group sessions allows individuals to talk about their experiences, learn new things and practice new ways to deal with challenges.

3. Medication Management:

There are situations where doctors prescribe medications for depression or mood problems to normalize the person’s emotional responses.

4. Dual Diagnosis Treatment covers many treatments:

Impulse control disorders often go together with anxiety, depression and issues related to substance use in many people. In our dual diagnosis program, we focus on both problems at the same time to help the patients recover completely.

5. Family Counseling:

A person’s family is vital for their recovery. We give counseling to family members so they can see the problem clearly, communicate better and start rebuilding trust.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If someone you love or you are dealing with an impulse control disorder, you do not have to deal with it all by yourself. People can ask for support when they need it.

You can call Palm Coast Treatment Solutions at (386) 284-4151 or look at our website to explore our variety of programs. Get back control of your life, set your mind at ease and begin the healing process.