Impulse Control Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is impulse control disorder (ICD)?

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.

What increases my risk for ICD?

The cause of ICD is not known. Any of the following may increase your risk:

Financial problems
A family history of ICD
A brain injury
Exposure to violence as a child
Childhood abuse or neglect
A condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or bipolar disorder

What are the signs and symptoms of ICD?

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

How is ICD diagnosed and treated?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and when they started. Your provider may ask about your impulses and how they affect you or others. Treatment depends on the type of ICD 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.

How can I 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.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

You hurt yourself on purpose.
You have thoughts of killing yourself or others.

When should I call my doctor or therapist?

You feel it is getting harder to resist your impulses.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. 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.

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