Impulse Control Disorder

Some people often ask if Impulse Control disorder is truly a mental illness. The answer is yes because the behavior appears as spontaneous, with the person having difficulty controlling impulses, which leads to negative consequences. These risky behaviors are also common symptoms of gambling, kleptomania, and intermittent explosive disorder, to name a few. However, the key point is that it can result in poor decision-making, low frustration tolerance, unstable relationships, issues at school or work, and overall instability.

Lack of impulse control can serve as a “gateway” symptom to substance use disorder, which may involve excessive alcohol consumption, severe use of illegal or prescription drugs, or both. Unrestrained behavior can cause irreversible harm, making the individual a danger to themselves and others.

Besides substance use disorder, impulsiveness can also contribute to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other addictive behaviors. Since addiction involves complex brain processes, impulsivity triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine whenever the “pleasure effect” is experienced. This can lead to impairments that impact job performance, academic achievement, medication management, family relationships, behavior, and self-awareness. It is important to note that this disorder does not discriminate and can affect individuals at any age, from adolescents to adults to seniors. Negative psychosocial development experiences can also contribute to these issues' abnormalities.

One effective way to address impulse control disorder is to learn how to channel impulses positively. For example, becoming organized and then using those impulses to complete projects at work or school, or using spontaneity to strengthen relationships with loved ones through unexpected or unscheduled activities. Also, leveraging frustration tolerance and directing that feeling toward achieving both short-term and long-term goals.

As human beings, we all strive and aim to live the best life possible through knowledge, lessons, opportunities, achievements, and purpose. However, we also lead better lives when we learn from mistakes, failures, and hardships. It is in our nature to seek perfection, even though it may seem unreachable, but if we focus on the things in our lives we can control, impulsiveness can be overcome.