Disorders characterized by poor impulse control.

BACKGROUND

Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) are an eclectic group of conditions in which a person has a drive, urge, or temptation, to perform a potentially harmful act, or fails to resist an impulse.

METHODS

Authors reviewed the current medical literature addressing this diverse group of disorders.

RESULTS

Although the behaviors associated with these conditions can cause a great deal of suffering for patients and their families, they have remained relatively under-researched and poorly characterized.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent studies have explored both pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, giving rise to greater hope for the development of more effective treatments for these challenging disorders.