An impulse disorder, or impulse control disorder, makes it difficult for someone to refrain from acting on impulse, even if that impulse is destructive or harmful. For instance, common impulse disorders include kleptomania, which causes people to take things that don’t belong to them. Additionally, pyromania is the second form of this disorder. Those who suffer from pyromania have an uncommon urge to start fires. Generally, several types of impulse control disorders commonly affect people across the globe. All require treatment for symptoms to improve.
In the Las Vegas area, Sierra Sage Recovery Center offers mental health treatment for impulse control disorders and others like them. Our co-occurring treatment offers the best support possible for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder and mental health issues. Therefore, if you or your loved one needs help to manage this condition that can feel disruptive and chaotic, reach out today for effective treatment.
What Causes an Impulse Disorder?
Impulse disorders usually manifest in childhood or during the adolescent years and may be influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Generally, unstable home life is a precursor to this mental health condition that can cause violent or unpredictable behavior. Risk factors include:
- Parents that have mental health conditions
- Lack of structure at home and in school
- Neglect or abuse during childhood
- Being part of a violent community
- Living below the poverty level
None of these risk factors alone guarantees that a child will develop an impulse disorder. In fact, children are more at risk if they have parents who struggle with schizophrenia or other personality disorders in addition to the environmental factors present. Impulse disorders also put individuals at a higher risk of abusing drugs or alcohol. Typically, individuals are unaware they have an impulse disorder but find that self-medicating with drugs or alcohol temporarily relieves their distress, confusion, or anxiety. Unfortunately, this is only superficial and short-term, increasing the risk of developing a substance use disorder or addiction. When someone struggles with substance use disorder and mental health issues like impulse disorder, they need dual diagnosis treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Impulse Disorder?
Symptoms of impulse disorders such as kleptomania differ according to the condition, but all unexpected feature behavior and out of control. For example, these may include:
- Explosive bouts of anger or violence
- Illegal activity
- Destruction of property
- Frequent frustration
- Verbal outbursts
People who suffer from impulse disorders may frequently lie, start fires, steal, engage in fighting, and become unpleasant or irritable without provocation. As a result, they often have problems in school or at work because of their condition.
Is There Treatment for Impulse Disorder?
Impulse disorder is managed as opposed to treated. Typically, it involves such therapies as behavioral counseling and learning healthy coping mechanisms. By engaging in these kinds of therapies, clients learn how to identify their impulse disorder symptoms and actions. Doing so gives clients the perspective necessary to then begin to unlearn unhealthy behaviors. At the same time, when treating a co-occurring disorder, our team at Sierra Sage addresses the underlying issues surrounding using drugs or alcohol. By dealing with both the physical and mental aspects of dependency and treating the mental health issue, clients can heal more holistically.
Early intervention is highly beneficial if you think you or a loved one is struggling with an impulse disorder. The sooner an individual enters into a co-occurring treatment program like ours at Sierra Sage, the sooner they’ll be provided with the behavioral tools needed to manage it.
Discover the Mental Health Treatment Offered at Sierra Sage Recovery Services
For those living in the Las Vegas area, Sierra Sage Recovery Services offers mental health services for impulse disorder. From addiction to depression, we’ll help you face your condition, take charge of it, and learn how to manage it. Sometimes, all it takes is a formal diagnosis — putting a name to the problem — to make life feel more manageable. From that first phone call to Sierra Sage Recovery Services, you’re investing in your future health and wellbeing.
When you’re ready to reach out for help regarding impulse disorder, call Sierra Sage Recovery Services at 833.922.2884 and learn more about our mental health treatment options and treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Most types of mental illness can be managed effectively, including impulse control disorders. If you or someone you love struggles with this condition, seek help today, and tomorrow will be a brighter, more manageable day.
