OnlineMedEd: Psychiatry - Impulse Control

Question 1

Describe the basic framework of impulse control disorders.

Answer 1

A stressor triggers anxiety in a person that leads them to want to do an action that relieves that anxiety.

Question 2

What is IED?

Answer 2

Intermittent explosive disorder

A syndrome in which people get stressed (by anything) and then act violently to relieve that anxiety. It is more common in young men.

Question 3

What frequency is needed for a diagnosis of IED?

Answer 3

• Mild: 2 episodes per week for at least three months without harm
• Severe: 3 episodes ever with harm

Question 4

How are impulse disorders treated?

Answer 4

SSRIs and psychotherapy used to be used, but now these treatments are thought to not work.

Those with severe IED should be incarcerated after violent acts (like anyone else…).

Question 5

What are the characteristics of kleptomania theft?

Answer 5

• The theft is of an object that is of little value.
• The person could have easily afforded the object.
• The theft is preceded by anxiety.
• The theft is followed by remorse.

Question 6

What features suggest petty theft as opposed to kleptomania?

Answer 6

• Planning the theft (those with kleptomania don’t plan)
• Having help from another person
• Stealing objects of great value
• Using the object

Question 7

Describe pyromania.

Answer 7

• Setting fires to decrease anxiety and increase arousal
• Must set at least two fires
• More common in men