Diagnostic criteria for impulse control disorders

Need to know

What you need to know

• Core feature is the repeated failure to resist a specific impulse.
• A period of increasing tension or affective arousal precedes the act.
• Pleasure, gratification, or relief is experienced during or after the act.
• The behaviour is not primarily motivated by external rewards like money or revenge.
• Individuals may experience regret or guilt after the immediate gratification fades.

Explanation

Diagnostic criteria for impulse control disorders

1. Core feature is the repeated failure to resist a specific impulse.
2. A period of increasing tension or affective arousal precedes the act.
3. Pleasure, gratification, or relief is experienced during or after the act.
4. The behaviour is not primarily motivated by external rewards like money or revenge.