Impulse Control Disorders: When Your Brain Just Can't Say "No"
From kleptomania to trichotillomania, these disorders can turn small urges into major struggles. But here’s the good news—you can take back control.
Apart from “life is short”, what other phrases do you tell yourself before making bad decisions? You probably have many. That's pretty much what impulse control disorders (ICDs) are. Imagine being trapped in a tug-of-war between your brain’s “let’s do this!” voice and your inner “no, seriously, don’t” voice—except the “let’s do this!” one keeps winning.
Impulse control disorders happen when a person struggles to stop themselves from doing something they really shouldn't, even when the consequences are staring them in the face. Like that random impulse to buy a million shoes online when you can barely afford your transportation fee. Or maybe you can't resist pulling out that one annoying hair (that you know is going to come back).