Impulse Control Disorders

Impulse control disorders are a group of behaviors that make it very difficult to resist an impulsive act or behavior that may be harmful to the person with the disorder or others. People with these disorders might have behaviors like angry outbursts, destroying property, stealing, fighting, and more.

There are different types of impulse control disorders: 

• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): Ongoing uncooperative, defiant and sometimes hostile behavior towards authority
• Conduct disorder: Ongoing aggression toward others and lack of ability to follow rules and social norms 
  Intermittent explosive disorder: A condition with frequent impulsive anger outbursts or aggression 
• Kleptomania: An overpowering urge to steal things
• Pyromania: An irresistable urge to start fires

Signs of impulse control disorders usually start in childhood. Many people with this disorders know their behavior isn't appropriate, but can't control it.