FAQ - impulse control disorders
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I have a problem with impulse buying, is there a way to control it?


Well like the question states, i have a problem with impulse buying. Sometimes I'll see things that i dont really even need, but still get them anyways, then later regret even buying the damn thing.

Any tips on stopping or controlling these urges?
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i know it is hard but do stop and think.. everytime you are about to buy, stop, decide do you really need this thing... put it back.

if you do really need it, go back and get it, but if not, just carry on walking.

i was in your position and caused a lot of debt, i have only just cleared my debt and feel huge relief, i am really working hard to control my urges to spend money.

now, when i do buy something it is more special as i am not buying things endlessly like i used to. i used to hate walking round without any shopping bags, but now feel a sense of accomplishment when i can go home not having spent too much money on crap

feel free to email me if you want to talk about this some more  (+ info)

how do one control their sexual impulse?


what is an effective way to handle yourself when you have a sexual urge or sexual impulse? I feel like I have a poor control when it comes to handling my own sexual impulse? anyone else have this? I am 21 years old. What do I have to do to better control my self and mind.
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stop watching porn. when u have a negative thought replace it with positive. like when u see a women and u say 'da*mn her butt big'.. just look away and say 'she looks nice'  (+ info)

Help with Impulse Control disorder. How to reduce urge to pull hair from Trichotillomania?


I am not sure, but I know what you're talking about and you need to go through therapy and exposure therapy. You need to maybe try occupying your hands when you get the urge to start picking/pulling. For example, I get the urge to pick a not my hair but things on my skin, like scabs, pimples, eyebrows etc. and having something to do with my hands actually soothes me...and that is knitting. You should try this kind of activity.  (+ info)

Any tips on how to handle a strong-willed child who has poor impulse control?


I'm seriously beginning to think that my child has ADHD, but I want to exhaust all other possibilities and options first. Any tips?
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Try telling the child what he needs to do instead of what not to do. Also keep the child busy, busy, busy. Keep his mind on the good.  (+ info)

How can I control my impulse to show off?


I fear being looked down upon. So I always want to show off my ability.
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If your impulse is to show off how hard you work and how seriously you study, then then is not a problem.

If your impulse is to show off your great tap-dancing skills in the middle of class, the you'll need to talk to a professional.  (+ info)

What are some examples of acting out in order to gain control such as eating disorders or OCD?


Psychological disorders that are rooted around the fact that one needs control. For example, an anorexic will use her eating disorder to have control over eating and her weight because her life is out of control.
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not sure what you mean...can you add to your question ?  (+ info)

are disorders something you can't control or something you choose not to control?


i think i have a mild case of bipolar disorder but in a way i feel like i choose not to control my emotions.
i recently noticed that there are so many disorders and i wonder if it's something people can't control or something they just choose not to control. do they not try hard enough to control themselves or what?
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It really depends on the disorder and the severity of the disorder. Cyclothymia (Very mild bipolar) can be controlled, but it is very mild. Bipolar II is the midrange and is more difficult to control. Bipolar I (which I have) can be very difficult to control. Basically we all have emotions, we all have our ups and downs. It is the intensity of those emotions that determines how much control a person can have. If your best friend died would you be able to control yourself and not show any sadness? Bipolars feel that way frequently and often with no reason....... If you become psychotic you really no longer have any control......... However, we all can choose to stay on out medications which goes a long way towards control..... so a diagnosis of bipolar is not an excuse for emotional behavior but it is a reason for it.  (+ info)

How do i control my panic, stress and anxiety disorders?


I'm only fifteen and i need help. My doctor is concerned but can't prescribe me drugs because of my age. what do i do?
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PANIC ATTACKS: View the techniques for control of panic attacks, in section 8, at ezy build, below. Begin, on this first occasion, only, by holding your breath for 5, or 10 seconds: this will give you the confidence to realise that YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR BREATHING, but not pass out, or die (your autonomic nervous system resumes breathing, if you become unconscious). Understand panic attacks, and what triggers them, in your life (if it is unresolved anxiety, or stress, see sections 6, or 42, respectively). The paper bag method works for most people: try it.

If you are fairly suggestible, the following are reliable: http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/
Your last alternative is psychotherapy, to address its fundamental cause: read section 1, and examine the http://1-800-therapist.com/ website, and use the locators, and phone book. I used to suffer from panic attacks, until I questioned what had changed in my life, at, or just before that time, to trigger them. For some people, this is enough. These days, I have instilled the habit of, whenever a situation occurs where panic is likely, I visualise a large, "STOP!" sign, as vividly as possible, followed by repeating to myself: "stay calm" in my mind. You could try the same method. It usually takes 30 - 40 repetitions, for most people, to establish a new habit. I also suggest that you learn, then practise the controlled breathing technique, until competent, then employ it, at the very first sign of a panic attack.

Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. Also, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind). Section 53, and pages 2, 2.q and 2.o at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also refer: "Even though I sometimes suffer from panic attacks, I deeply and completely accept myself." Note: the controlled breathing only helps with the symptoms (as do medications/herbal remedies): you need to address the underlying cause, and this requires some form of therapy, and Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy has proved effective.

Advice from a published psychiatrist on controlled breathing. (1.) Get a clock, or watch with a second timer. (2.) Practise for 5 minutes, 4 times daily, until proficient. (3.) Take a small breath in, and hold it, for 6 seconds. (4.) Think to yourself: "RELAX", just before breathing out. (5.) Try to feel a sense of releasing tension, as you breathe out. (6.) Breathe in for 3 seconds, then out, for 3 seconds. Try to make your breathing very smooth, and light, as you breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth, or nose. (7.) For the next minute, continue to breathe in, and out, every 3 seconds. (8.) Go back to step 3, at the end of the minute, and proceed through to step 7, doing this for 5 minutes. Use this at the very first sign of a panic attack starting, or any time you feel anxious, or tense.

Because many people can't access/afford professional therapy, I include the EFT, and EMDR variant for them to try, free of charge. Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy is generally available in most areas, but EMDR (see section 33) may well be worth trying, and is becoming more widespread.

(The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case).

Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: "a thousand and one": this takes approximately a second).

Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally, if you like) 20 times: "A thousand and one; a thousand and two... " and so on, to a thousand and twenty. Then close your eyes and relax. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel.

Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner. Then, repeat the procedure one last time. Some people may find that this is all they need do. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over.

I also use it prior to my chosen relaxation technique, after lights out, at night. For more about Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing therapy, showing recommendations by those who have used it, including a professional psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in that field, see sections 33 - 34, at ezy-build. She was skeptical, at first, and I remained unconvinced, until trying it, and now I use it twice daily, including after lights out, at night.

It may also help to minimise, or eliminate caffeine products from your life (coffee can be a trigger) and sugar. Xylitol, or Stevia is preferable, (health food stores) or fruit sugar (fructose, such as "Fruisana", from supermarket sugar aisles) or even a little honey. Minimise/eliminate consumption of highly processed foods, particularly grain products, such as white bread, donuts, cake, cookies/biscuits, or anything with sugar. Opt for more wholefoods, non-starchy vegetables, and fruit.

Stress is addressed in section 42, at ezy build (see page i first) and anxiety in section 6 (view page R first).  (+ info)

Has anyone used Depo Prevara to control PMDD or other mood disorders?


I have the option but I've never responded well to hormones, and since this is a three month commitment, I would like some advise.
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Do yourself a favor and don't get it!!

It made my PMDD wayyyyyy worse, had noooo sex drive, severe mood swings, I would have a hard time recommending this to anyone!

RN  (+ info)

Impulse control for children -- any book recommendations?


I have a 4 year old nephew who isn't autistic or ADD/ADHD, just has poor impulse control and sibling rivalry with his new little brother. Any suggestions of great books?
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For some reason I think ALL 4 year old have this problem.  (+ info)

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