Impulse Control Disorders: Finding the Right Treatment for You
What Are Impulse Control Disorders?
Impulse control disorders are mental health conditions that deal with difficulty resisting urges, even when those urges lead to harmful behaviors. There are many different types of impulse control disorders, including:
- Intermittent explosive disorder (IED), which involves sudden bursts or episodes of intense violence or aggression.
- Trichotillomania, a hair-pulling compulsion that can lead to hair loss.
- Pyromania, the uncontrollable desire to start fires.
- Kleptomania, which involves the need to steal items, even if they aren’t needed or are affordable.
Other behaviors that feel out of your control could also be classified as an impulse disorder, such as the uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences. When these conditions are left untreated, they can quickly destroy the life of the sufferer and the lives of their loved ones.
No matter the type of impulse mental health condition you’re facing, Healthy U can help you regain control.
Treatment Options for Impulse Control Disorders
We offer a range of specialized impulse disorder treatment programs to help you manage your impulses and lead a healthier life.
Our partial hospitalization programming could be necessary based on the severity of your condition and includes therapy sessions five days per week. We also have an intensive outpatient treatment program with three levels that could be the right place to start your recovery journey. In some cases, virtual therapy may be the best starting point; everyone experiences impulse disorders differently, which is why the specific program that best supports your mental health will be determined once our licensed professionals have completed your initial evaluation.
Some of the therapies that may be utilized no matter which treatment program you’re placed in include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for impulse control has been shown to be highly effective. Therapy benefits include:
- Identifying negative or harmful thought patterns
- Reframing those patterns
- Developing healthier coping mechanisms
- Increasing your ability to self-regulate
- Strengthening your decision-making skills
- Boosting your resilience
Medications for Managing Impulse Control
In some cases, medication could be included in your treatment plan. Our licensed clinicians are able to prescribe a range of medications, such as:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to help manage urges
- Mood stabilizers to increase emotional stability
- Psychiatric medications based on specific symptoms
Not everyone will benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which is why your care team will carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and goals to determine if MAT could help you find relief.
Self-Management Strategies
Along with your treatment plan and talk therapies, your care team may also recommend several self-management strategies you can utilize right away, such as:
- Practicing relaxation or mindfulness techniques
- Creating a structured schedule and routine to help minimize impulsive behaviors
- Using tracking tools to help recognize triggers and patterns
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
If impulse issues are affecting your daily life, connect with Healthy U. Through our intensive treatment programs, skill-building sessions, and medication management plans, we can help you improve your emotional well-being. Take the first step toward a healthier life today.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Treatment Programs
With separate programs for mental health challenges and substance use disorders, you’ll receive the specific care you need to recover.
The first step is a complete, personalized assessment to determine the best approach for U going forward.
In-Network With Major Insurance Providers
Out-of-pocket payment plans (with prompt-pay discounts), HMO, PPO—in an effort to help as many people as possible, we accept many plans and providers.
By choosing an in-network provider like Healthy U, you’ll get more affordable care versus an out-of-network provider.
Out of Network: Kaiser – Single Case Agreements can be arranged
Helpful Information
The Power to Heal.
The Courage to Begin.
Take the first step toward mental health or substance use recovery. Healthy U will be with you the rest of the way.
