Impulse Control Disorder in Children
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 child's ability to control his or her impulses. An impulse is a sudden, strong urge or desire. Your child may act on an impulse even though he or she knows it is harmful.
Common signs and symptoms
depend on the type of ICD your child has:
- Increased irritability or anger
- Aggressive behavior towards others or animals
- Purposely breaking rules or laws
- Starting fires, stealing, or destroying property
- Argumentative or combative
- Emotional outbursts or temper tantrums that happen often
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has hurt himself or herself on purpose.
- Your child has hurt another person on purpose.
Seek care immediately if:
- You are concerned about your child's safety.
Call your child's doctor or therapist if:
- Your child's behavior is getting worse or more severe.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Treatment for your child's ICD
depends on the type your child has and how severe his or her symptoms are. Your child may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be given if your child also has anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
- Parent management training (PMT) teaches parents skills to help improve their child's behavior. A therapist will help parents create a parenting plan. This plan includes how to use positive reinforcement and discipline your child.
- Multisystemic therapy (MST) may be needed if your teen has legal problems or substance use problems. MST is a short-term intensive therapy treatment. MST helps identify the risk factors that are contributing to your teen's behavior.
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) teaches your child different ways to solve problems and make healthy decisions. A therapist will help your child identify thought patterns that are not healthy and understand how they affect his or her behavior.
Manage your child's ICD:
- Create a schedule for your child. Set specific times for your child to complete homework or chores. Have your younger child take naps at the same times every day. A structured environment will help your child learn to follow rules.
- Use positive reinforcement. Praise or reward your child's good behavior. This will help your child want to make good decisions more often.
- Set boundaries with your child. Make a list of house rules for your child to follow. Post these rules in a common area in the home, such as the living room or kitchen. Tell your child what the consequences of breaking a rule will be, and follow through with discipline. Be consistent with discipline. Do not yell at your child or use physical punishment.
Follow up with your child's 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
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