Impulse Control Disorders

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Impulse Control Disorder Therapy and Counseling

For some people, the urge to engage in actions that could potentially harm themselves or other people may feel beyond their control. This condition, also known as impulsivity, can create feelings a variety of feelings including anxiety that many people describe as a buildup of pressure prior to engaging in certain actions along with a feeling of relief and happiness once they have acted.

Impulse control disorders can often be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or even overlooked. This means that individuals who may be struggling to cope with these types of disorders may not always get the help they need. As an experienced professional, Christie Jones has the training and knowledge needed to help residents throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area with impulse control disorder therapy and counseling services.

Working to treat these types of conditions typically involves a unique combination of treatment methods that have been customized to address the specific situation of each patient. There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to guiding a patient towards recovery, and Christie Jones understands how important it is to take the time to fully understand a patient’s needs before deciding on the best treatment options.

What IS an Impulse Control Disorder?

In many cases, impulse control disorders are behavioral patterns that begin during their childhood or adolescent years. By developing a tendency towards specific behaviors during this time, a person may develop an unhealthy connection to certain actions that may become harmful to their own health and well-being.

There are multiple impulse control disorders centered around various types of actions, and they are characterized by a person’s powerful desire to take action, even if that means putting themselves or even others at risk. Even if a person is forced to deal with negative consequences related to their actions, they will continue to repeat their actions, which is a strong indicator that they may not be in control of their own behavioral patterns.

The chronic pattern of impulsive behavior in individuals who are dealing with these types of disorders can lead to increasingly serious consequences in their lives including the loss of employment opportunities, an erosion of social support, financial struggles, and even legal concerns.

Some common impulse control conditions include:

  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder – Often described as recurring, impactful outbursts of aggressive behavior that are disproportional to the apparent triggers or stress factors involved. People who suffer from this type of disorder generally view their behaviors as problematic despite repeated outbursts.
  • Conduct Disorder – This type of behavior encompasses persistent patterns of defiance that violate social rules or expectations. The person may express a variety of tendencies including aggression, property destruction, theft, rule violations and more. These types of behaviors can lead to increasing problems in various social settings.
  • Kleptomania – The impulsive urge to steal objects regardless of actual need is a central characteristic of kleptomania. Individuals who engage in this type of activity may not even keep the items they steal.

How to Get Help from a Professional

One of the primary challenges of dealing with impulse control disorder is knowing when to ask for help. Because impulse control disorders are beyond a person’s ability to self-regulate, being able to seek help is often inhibited by the ongoing pleasure feedback they experience from engaging in a particular action. 

In many cases a family member, friend, or loved one is the best source of help and guidance. At the same time, the need for support from a trained professional is vital to the success of treatment attempts. Instead of struggling through the challenge of deciding how to convince a person that they need to change, contact Christie Jones to get the help and professional support you need to achieve a successful outcome.

To find out more about our services, or to schedule a consultation, be sure to contact our office right away!