Impulse-control and addiction

control disorders are diagnosed in people who cannot withstand the urge to perform problematic behaviors. In addiction, a pleasurable activity becomes compulsive and interferes with daily life.

What are they?

The basic concepts underlying impulsive and addictive behaviors overlap. Some psychologists think that impulse-control disorders should be classed as addictions. In impulse-control disorders, a
person perpetuates their behavior regardless of the consequences, and they become less and less able to control their inner urges. Usually, a person feels an increasing tension or arousal before the action, pleasure or relief while doing it, and regret or guilt in the aftermath. Environmental and neurological factors both play a part in the development of the disorders and they may be triggered by stress. The recognized impulse-control
disorders are compulsive gambling (opposite), kleptomania (p.84), pyromania (p.85), hair pulling (p.60), and intermittent explosive disorder (below). Sex, exercise, shopping, and Internet addictions (below) share similar traits.

Impulse-control disorders and addictions