Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Impulse Control Disorders

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2020 Jun;43(2):249-262. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.02.001. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Abstract

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by the repeated inability to resist an impulse, drive, or temptation to perform an act that is harmful to the person or others. Although classification approaches to ICDs vary both diachronically and synchronically, this group of conditions encompasses a wide range of syndromes, including pathologic gambling, kleptomania, trichotillomania, excoriation (skin picking) disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, pyromania, oppositional defiant, conduct, and antisocial personality disorders. ICDs can play a significant role as comorbidities in both neurodevelopmental (eg, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome) and neurodegenerative (eg, Parkinson disease) disorders.

Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Impulse control disorders; Neurodegenerative disorders; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Parkinson disease; Tourette syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / diagnosis
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Gambling / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Trichotillomania / epidemiology