Symptoms

Impulse tension: A growing sense of tension or arousal before the act.

Inability to resist: Failure to control the impulse despite knowing it’s wrong.

Relief or pleasure: A sense of relief or gratification during the act.

Guilt after the act: Often followed by remorse, guilt, or regret.

Types of Impulse Control Disorders:

1. Kleptomania
– Recurrent urge to steal items not needed for personal use or value.
– The act is driven by internal tension and not for financial gain.

2. Pyromania
– Deliberate setting of fires on more than one occasion.
– The person experiences fascination or gratification from fire-related situations.

3. Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
– Sudden episodes of unwarranted anger or aggressive outbursts.
– Disproportionate to the situation and not premeditated.

4. Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
– Repeated pulling out of one’s hair resulting in noticeable hair loss.
– Associated with increasing tension and a sense of relief.

5. Dermatillomania (Skin-Picking Disorder)
– Compulsive picking at skin, often causing lesions or infections.
– Linked to stress, anxiety, or boredom.

6. Compulsive Buying (Oniomania)
– Impulsive and unnecessary purchasing of items.
– Often leads to financial and interpersonal problems.

7. Pathological Gambling (now under Behavioral Addictions)
– Repeated, problematic gambling behavior.
– May cause severe social, legal, and financial consequences.

Causes & Risk Factors:

Biological factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine.

Genetics: Family history of mental health disorders.

Environmental factors: Abuse, trauma, neglect, or stress.

Psychiatric comorbidities: Often co-exist with ADHD, mood disorders, or substance abuse.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is clinical, based on criteria and detailed psychiatric evaluation. It may involve:

Psychiatric interview

Behavioral history

Collateral information from family or caregivers

Treatment Options:

1. Psychotherapy
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is most effective.
– Helps in identifying triggers and developing coping strategies.

2. Medication
– SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
– Mood stabilizers or antipsychotics in some cases

3. Group therapy / Family therapy
– Helps with support and insight into behavior patterns.

4. Mindfulness and behavior modification programs