Impulse Control Disorder Treatment
In Orange County

Orange County Mental Health Treatment

What is Impulse Control Disorder?

Impulse control disorders are behavioral disorders where a person has little control over various aggressive behaviors. Usually, these behaviors are associated with anger, fighting, destruction of property, defying societal norms, stealing, lying, and breaking laws.

Most impulse control disorders are initially apparent during childhood or adolescence. They can still be evident during adulthood. Acts of defiance and anger can be attributed to normal child development. Those with impulse control disorders will exhibit longer-lasting episodes of aggressive behavior.

Impulse control disorders tend to share four specific commonalities:

The person repeats the behavior despite any adverse consequences suffered.
They have little control over troublesome behavior.
The person seems to experience an overwhelming urge before exhibiting the behavior.
The person seems to take pleasure from the behavior.

When impulse control disorders go untreated, they can impact the person’s quality of life. Many can result in legal problems or financial ruin.

Common Types of Impulse Control Disorder

There are several different impulse control disorders. The most common types are oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, trichotillomania, kleptomania, pyromania, compulsive gambling, and compulsive sexual behavior.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is most commonly seen in childhood. It primarily involves defiance, uncooperative behavior, or anger directed at those in positions of authority. Every child will naturally show mild forms of these behaviors. A diagnosis of ODD will come when this behavior lasts longer than six months and interferes with the child’s daily interactions. While ODD is treatable, it can later evolve into conduct disorder if it goes untreated.

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards others. These behaviors include breaking the rules at home, in school, and among their peers. Rule violations can be severe. Behaviors that cause harm to others, such as bullying and cruelty to animals, can be a part of this disorder.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is when a person obsessively and intentionally pulls out their hair. It is significant enough that the loss of hair is noticeable. Ultimately, the condition can lead to social isolation and occupational disability. Trichotillomania is considered to be an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Kleptomania

Kleptomania is an uncontrollable urge to steal things. Most of the time, the things taken are not things that the kleptomaniac needs. They are usually items that are small and carry very little value.

This impulsive control disorder is considered to be rare and incurable. Treatment has been shown to end the cycle of this compulsion.

Pyromania

Pyromania is an impulse control disorder where the person has an uncontrollable urge to set fires. They are aware of the damage this behavior can cause, but that doesn’t stop them. Pyromaniacs usually have a fascination with fire and watching things burn. They do not set fires to destroy things intentionally but experience relief from lighting things on fire.

Compulsive Gambling

Compulsive gambling is also known as pathological gambling or gambling disorder. It is an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling even when it is ruining a person’s life.

Compulsive gamblers will keep gambling until they have emptied their savings and are in debt. They have been known to steal money or write bad checks to be able to keep gambling. This disorder can destroy relationships and leave the compulsive gambler in financial ruin.

Compulsive Sexual Behavior

Compulsive sexual behavior, also known as sex addiction, is an overwhelming preoccupation with sex. This behavior includes masturbation, promiscuity, pornography, exhibitionism, voyeurism, or fetishes. In small doses, these behaviors can be relatively healthy; however, for a sex addict, they become obsessive.

Over time, sex addiction becomes more of a means of reducing anxiety than seeking pleasure. This disorder can cause distress, destroy relationships, and potentially lead to social, occupational, financial, and legal consequences.

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The Co-Occurrence of Impulse Control Disorders and Substance Abuse

It is relatively common for individuals with impulse control disorders also to have a substance abuse disorder. This is known as co-occurrence or comorbidity of two conditions. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that approximately half of those with substance use disorder also have a mental illness.

Individuals with impulse control disorders may start abusing substances to self-medicate. Unfortunately, their tendency towards compulsive behavior can translate to an addiction to illegal drugs or alcohol. In some cases, impulse control disorders lead to substance abuse, while in other cases, the opposite is true.

Treatment of Impulse Control Disorders in Orange County

Treatment of impulse control disorders will be different for each patient. Since no two patients have the same problems, there is no cookie-cutter approach to treatment. A comprehensive treatment plan may combine different types of therapy to treat a person struggling with their mental and behavioral health. Some methods include cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy sessions combined with medications appropriate to the conditions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to teach patients to identify their unhealthy behaviors. The provider will give them tools to change behaviors. CBT is also an effective treatment for substance use disorders.

Group therapy is also effective in treating both types of disorders. Group therapy offers the patient a unique support system while receiving treatment. People will receive treatment while participating with those facing similar challenges and those who are further along in their recovery.

We Can Help

The mental health professionals at First Light Recovery will help clients build the foundation for a strong recovery. We have trusted experience developing treatment plans that work based on the specific needs of each client. First Light Recovery treats people struggling with impulse control and other co-occurring disorders.

If you or someone you know suffers from an impulse control disorder, contact us today to learn how we can help.

Impulse Control Disorder TreatmentIn Orange County