Medication for Impulse Control Disorder

Impulse Control Disorder is a condition that may be harmful to you or others, but can be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

What is Impulse Control Disorder?

• Impulse control disorders are characterized by the inability to control or resist an urge to perform an action that is harmful to yourself and/or others such as compulsive shopping, gambling, or sex.

Basic Treatment Plan

• A combination of psychotherapy and medication can be successful in treating and managing impulse control disorders.

Physiological Issues

• Low levels of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) are thought to be associated with poor impulse control. GABA controls our level of excitability. When GABA levels are normal, we are not aroused or stimulated. However, when GABA is low in the brain, impulsive behaviors are not inhibited by logical or reasonable thinking.

Natural Treatment

• Eating foods rich in glutamic acid/glutamate may decrease impulse behavior. Eating the following foods elevate the production of alpha waves associated with feeling relaxed and boosts mental alertness.

  • Almonds, walnuts
  • Beef Liver
  • Broccoli, spinach
  • Halibut
  • Oranges, citrus fruits, bananas
  • Whole wheat, whole grains, rice bran, brown rice, oats, whole grain, lentils.

Medication

• GABA has proven to be safe in doses of 500 mg to 4 g. Some people experience side effects including tingling sensations, flushing of the skin, and anxiety.

  Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, anticonvulsant medications, and medication that affects fluctuation of moods, may be helpful in control this disorder.

  Medications for treating depression and anxiety, specifically antidepressants known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors are drugs that affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain and are primarily used to treat mood disorders.

  Naltrexone is a drug used to block the rush or "high" feeling that can make addictions pleasurable. Primarily used to prevent substance abuse, it may also be effective for patients with impulse control disorders such as a gambling addiction.

  Consult your physician or naturopath before beginning any type treatment.