7 Commonly Discussed Impulse Control Disorders
What are the 7 types of impulse control disorders?
There isn’t one official list of exactly seven impulse control disorders. The term is often used broadly for conditions or behaviors involving difficulty resisting urges, even though they do not all belong to the same diagnostic category. Seven commonly discussed examples are:
- Intermittent explosive disorder: Repeated, intense outbursts of anger that are out of proportion to the situation.
- Kleptomania: Recurrent difficulty resisting urges to steal items that are not needed for personal use or their value.
- Pyromania: Repeated, deliberate fire-setting associated with tension before and relief or satisfaction afterward.
- Gambling disorder: Persistent gambling that causes significant problems. It is classified as an addictive disorder, not an impulse-control disorder in the DSM-5-TR.
- Compulsive buying or shopping: Repeated buying that feels hard to control and causes distress or financial problems. It is not a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR.
- Trichotillomania: Repeated hair pulling that leads to hair loss or distress. It is classified among obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.
- Excoriation disorder: Repeated skin picking that causes skin damage or significant distress; it is also classified among obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.
Why do lists differ?
Diagnostic systems group conditions differently. In the DSM-5-TR, the impulse-control section includes intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, pyromania, and specified or unspecified related diagnoses—not a fixed list of seven. Other conditions sometimes included in broad lists are classified elsewhere or are not formal standalone diagnoses. A behavior that seems impulsive does not, by itself, mean someone has a disorder.
When should someone seek help?
Consider speaking with a licensed mental health professional if urges or repeated actions are causing distress, harming relationships, creating financial or legal problems, or interfering with daily life. A professional can assess what is happening and discuss appropriate support. If there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else, contact emergency services.
Impulse buying can also be a shopping habit rather than a clinical disorder. For practical ways to pause before purchasing during promotions, see the guide to avoiding impulse buys during big sales.
FAQ
How are impulse-control disorders treated?
Treatment depends on the specific condition and a person’s needs. A mental health professional may recommend therapy, medication, or a combination, along with strategies for managing triggers and urges.
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