Impulse-Control Disorders

Classed as obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, impulse-control disorders make people feel an irresistible and repeated urge to perform behaviors that may harm themselves or others. These impulsive behaviors may range from pulling out your own hair to gambling to starting fires. Sufferers may be aware that these actions are harmful but, like an itch, tension grows until they perform the act and feel a sense of relief or thrill.

Impulse-control disorders include trichotillomania, kleptomania, pyromania, intermittent explosive disorder (IED) and pathological gambling.