Impulse Control Disorder By Greg Sheffield, Geoffrey Miller, Michael Grant, Stefani Bjorck and Tim Sullivan

Explanation of the disorder Impulse control disorder is a disorder in which one has no control over certain impulsive actions that may harm his or herself or others.

Symptoms 1) Excessive anger (2) 2) Compulsive stealing (Kleptomania) (2) 3) Compulsive fire-starting (Pyromania) (2) 4) Compulsive pulling-out of hair (Trichotillomania) (2) 5) Pathological Gambling (Getting gratification and excitement from gambling) (2) 6) Self injury (Cutting yourself with a sharp object) (3) 7) Continual intense sexual tendencies or behaviors specifically revealing your genitals to a random person. (Exhibitionism) (3)

Diagnosis Impulse control disorder is extremely difficult to find and diagnose. The only way to figure it out is to see if they have any of the symptoms listed above. (4)

Those affected Anyone can be affected by this disorder, more common in men, no matter the age, or race. (5)

Causes Impulse control disorder is linked to being caused by the effects of other disorders, such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders.(5)

Treatments Pathological Gambling- For pathological gambling, counseling, group sessions and anti-gambling associations have been used to treat patients.(9) Trichotillomania- Found in a study, trichotillomania has been reduced by patients taking a certain dosage of an amino acid called N- acetylcysteine.(9) Excessive anger- Excessive anger can be treated by counseling, mentoring in self-control with the person's anger, and medicine. (9) Kleptomania- Mentoring the person's behavior in order for them to stop stealing.(9) Pyromania- Treatment is same as a kleptomaniac; try to modify behavior to cut the fire-starting actions. (6) Self-injury- Institutions in society and economic environments help kids to stop their risky behavior. ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) is an awareness program for teens to counter their dangerous behavior to themselves. (8) Exhibitionism- Some medication and psychotherapy have been used to treat this disease. Though they are efficient, no absolute cure has been found. (1)

Where can I get help? Elmira Psychiatric Center on Washington St. in Elmira, NY (7) Family Counseling Center 550 E. Church Street in Elmira, NY George C. Levitt PhD 147 W. Gray St. in Elmira, NY 14901

Interesting Facts 1.) Pyromaniacs do not start fires out of spite or property damage. It is simply because they are astounded by fire.(9) 2.) 1 in 5 people who suffer from trichotillomania actually eat their hair or chew off the ends and ingest them.(10) 3.) According to some teens, Sudoku, writing poetry and simply dropping a drop of red food coloring in a cup full of water were some ways that helped them stop cutting themselves.(11)

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