Impulse Control Disorder
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Impulse control disorder (ICD)
is a term used to describe conditions that affect your ability to control your impulses. An impulse is a sudden, strong urge or desire. You may act on impulses even though you know it can harm you or others.
Signs and symptoms
depend on the type of ICD you have. You may have any of the following:
- Anxiety or tension before you act on an impulse
- Relief or pleasure immediately after acting on an impulse
- Shame or embarrassment after acting on an impulse
- Feeling out of control or not able to resist an impulse
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You hurt yourself on purpose.
- You have thoughts of killing yourself or others.
Call your doctor if:
- You feel it is getting harder to resist your impulses.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for ICD
depends on the type you have. You may need any of the following:
- Medicines such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers may be given if you have a condition that is contributing to your ICD.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches you different ways to solve problems and make healthy decisions. A therapist will help you identify thought patterns that are not healthy and understand how they affect your behavior. You will set goals for the thoughts and behaviors you wish to change. You may be asked to keep a journal of your feelings, thoughts, and the result of your actions.
Manage ICD:
- Keep track of your symptoms. Write down when you get an impulse and what triggered it. Write down how you responded to the impulse and how you felt after. This can help you identify your triggers so it will be easier to avoid them in the future.
- Go to therapy, as directed. A therapist can help teach you healthy ways to avoid acting on an impulse. Examples include meditation or journaling.
- Avoid triggers when possible. This can help prevent you from getting an impulse.
- Create healthy habits. Healthy habits can help improve your stress level and mood and decrease your impulses:
- Exercise as directed. Exercise can lift your mood, give you more energy, and make it easier to sleep.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy products, and beans. Your provider can help you create a healthy eating plan if you have an impulse eating disorder.
- Create a sleep routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. Let your healthcare provider know if you are having trouble sleeping.
- Exercise as directed. Exercise can lift your mood, give you more energy, and make it easier to sleep.
Follow up with your doctor or therapist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
