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Facts about impulse control disorders in Texas

On Behalf of | Nov 5, 2022 | Criminal Defense |

Many juvenile crimes in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange are often the result of impulse control disorders. Unfortunately, these disorders are often not diagnosed or treated until it’s too late, often resulting in juvenile offenders being incarcerated.

What are impulse control disorders?

These are psychiatric disorders characterized by an inability to resist impulses that may harm oneself or others. One of the most common type of impulse control disorder is intermittent explosive disorder (IED), which is characterized by impulsive, aggressive and violent behavior. Another common type of impulse control disorder is kleptomania, which is characterized by the urge to steal. This disorder often goes hand-in-hand with other disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and it’s one of the reasons juvenile crimes are high. Last but not least, pyromania, the urge to start fires, is another type of impulse control disorder that can have devastating consequences.

What causes impulse control disorders?

There is no one single cause of impulse control disorders. Rather, it is believed that they are the result of a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. For example, someone who has a family history of psychiatric disorders may be more likely to develop an impulse control disorder. Additionally, someone who has experienced trauma or abuse may be more likely to develop an impulse control disorder as a way of coping with the pain. It’s also believed that certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine, may play a role in the development of impulse control disorders by affecting the way the brain processes pleasure and pain.

If you think you or someone you know may have an impulse control disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. A qualified mental health professional can provide a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or both. With treatment, many people with impulse control disorders are able to lead happy and productive lives.