Impulse Control Disorders

Impulse control disorders are characterized by the inability to self-regulate emotions and urges, resulting in behaviors that violate the rights of others and/or conflict with societal norms.  These disorders include intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, and pyromania.

Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by recurrent aggressive impulses toward animals, other people, or property that may or may not result in damage or physical injury.  Behaviors can include verbal arguments, threats to harm others, shoving/pushing, punching or breaking objects, road rage, or, at the most extreme, killing an animal or person.

The aggressive impulse occurs with minimal provocation and is typically preceded by rising tension that escalates rapidly to a state of rage in which there is no thought about the consequences of behavior.  Most episodes last less than 30 minutes and can be followed by a sense of relief, remorse, or embarrassment.