ImpulseControl

Impulse control refers to the cognitive and emotional processes that enable a person to resist urges, delay gratification, and refrain from actions that may be harmful or undesirable. It is a core part of executive function, supporting self-regulation, decision making, and goal-directed behavior. Variation in impulse control exists across individuals and can be influenced by development, mental health, and environment.

Impulse control disorders encompass conditions in which individuals repeatedly fail to resist urges to perform acts that may be harmful or socially unacceptable. Examples include intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, pyromania, and gambling disorder. These disorders are often characterized by a pattern of acting on impulse despite adverse consequences, though the precise balance of impulsivity and compulsion can vary by diagnosis.

Assessment relies on self-report scales such as the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) or UPPS-P, and behavioral tasks like the Go/No-Go, Stop-Signal, and delay-discounting measures. Neurodevelopment and neurobiology underlie impulse control: maturation of prefrontal circuits and their control of reward pathways influence impulsive choices, which often peak in adolescence.

Treatment and management incorporate evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to improve self-control, mindfulness training, and contingency management to reinforce delayed gratification. Pharmacological options target coexisting symptoms, for example stimulants or non-stimulants for ADHD symptoms; SSRIs or mood stabilizers for mood or anxiety contributors; and naltrexone or other agents in some behavioral addictions. Therapies are typically tailored to the specific disorder and individual needs.

Ongoing research seeks to clarify the neural mechanisms of impulsivity and to refine interventions for different impulse control disorders.