Having control over your impulses means every action is preceded by consideration of the consequences. The ability to think before acting helps you avoid mistakes and actions you may regret later.

Unfortunately, not everyone has good impulse control. For some it may be because of immaturity or plain stubbornness. However, some individuals who struggle to control their urges may have an impulse control disorder. For them, there is a very thin line between imagining an action and immediately performing it. They can’t resist doing something that seems desirable, despite potential negative consequences.

Inability to Control Actions: What it Means

Impulse control disorder is considered to be a subgroup of other emotional conditions, such as anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder. There are no known exact causes for the condition. Some people have a higher risk if their family members have had problems with it in the past. Scientists suspect that hormonal imbalance plays a role. Structural abnormalities in certain brain parts responsible for emotions, memory, impulse control, and planning functions may also cause the condition.

An impulse control disorder may mean one is unable to refrain from behavior that may harm one’s own self or others. A person unable to resist the temptation to do a potentially damaging action may be at a terrible disadvantage in life. The lack of power to control impulses can cause serious consequences, not only for the person with the condition, but also for those around him or her.

Living with the Consequences of Your Actions

If you have an impulse control disorder, it is typical to feel an intense urge or arousal prior to committing an act. You may feel pleasure or relief while doing it, but later blame yourself or feel guilty about the action. If these feelings worry you, know that not feeling remorse after committing a negative act can be considered more dangerous.

Nevertheless, impulse control disorder can be a disturbing condition. You may repeatedly commit negative actions to fulfill immediate desires. Your lack of control over such behavior may make you avoid people and situations, resulting in social, legal, occupational, and financial impairment.

Some of the common forms of impulse control disorder include compulsive gambling, kleptomania, trichotillomania (hair pulling), shopping, and others. More recently, other forms of impulse control disorder have been added to the list, such as Internet and computer game addiction.

Feeling Hopeful about a Condition You Can’t Control

If you have difficulty controlling your impulses, you could be suffering from this condition. As such, you are probably aware that your actions can get you in trouble. You may want to develop better control and stop the unpleasant behavior, but find it is extremely difficult on your own. If you have impulse control disorder, you need more than support from family and friends. You also need help from an expert therapist who can assess your symptoms and provide a specialized treatment program.

It’s important not to lose hope. An impulse control disorder can be a dangerous and disruptive condition, but it can be successfully treated. With a variety of professional treatment options, such as counseling and a behavior modification program, you can regain control over your life.

Fulfilling the Unique Requirements of Treating Impulse Control

There is no single treatment for all forms of impulse control disorders, but counseling can be beneficial in reducing some of the symptoms. Thus, it is always best to find the right therapist. The impulsive behavior arising from the condition can quickly begin to dominate your life, as the consequences escalate over time. It is vital to seek help as soon as the symptoms are observed, before the condition entrenches itself deeply within your psyche.

You can’t go wrong with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC. You will be matched with a high-quality, independently contracted counselor with expertise who can help. In a safe and secure environment, the right fit counselor will work with you to help you develop the skills to manage the symptoms and overcome those destructive thoughts.

With help from CCS – Southern Pines, NC, you can proactively prevent the disorder from controlling your life. Regular counseling might be the most beneficial way to put your impulses in the right place. Call now to request an appointment.

Related Articles:

• Chronic Impulsivity Fueling Compulsive Buying
• Chronic Impulsivity: Do you leap before looking?
• Chronic Impulsivity: What is it?