Question

Compare and contrast impulse control disorders, treatments for each, and the nurses' role

Answer 1

impulse control disorders are psychiatric conditions characterised by the failure to resist an impulsive act or behaviour that may be harmful to self or others. The common icds are pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping,  compulsive eating and also in Parkinson's disease.

pathological gambling is someone who is unable to resist his or her impulse. The urge to gamble becomes so great that tension can be relieved by gambling more and more.

Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behaviour leading to a clinically significant environment or distress

Needs to gamble with amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement

Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling

Often gamble when distressed.

compulsive gambling is treatable

Therapy or support groups, Psychotherapy in the form of individual or group setting can help

In combination with psychotherapy, the individual may benefit from antidepressants, mood stabilizers, narcotic antagonists.

compulsive sexual behaviour is called hypersexuality.

It is an excessive pre occu[pation with sexual fantasies, urges that is difficult to control causes distress or negatively affects health, job, relationships or other parts of life

Feeling driven to do certain sexual behaviours, feel a release of the tension afterwards, but also feel guilt

Unsuccessful to reduce or control sexual fantasies

It can be prevented by

Getting help early for problems with sexual behaviour

Seek treatment early for a mental health disorder

Avoid risky situations

compulsive shopping

it is an addition to shopping for gratification that can lead to several psychological and emotional issues

it is generally exhibited by insecure people with low self -esteem and low impulse control

Awareness can heal this problem

compulsive overeating is an umbrella term that is used to describe the loss of control eating behaviours

Night eating

eating past satiety

other compulsive food behaviours like hiding food or eating food out of the garbage

Specialized therapeutic care can cure the condition

Patients with Parkinsons disease are prone to develop icds

involuntary movements of legs and hands

Nurses play an important role in managing icds

Decreasing violence and increasing compliance with treatment

Improving coping skill and self-esteem

Promoting social interactions

Providing client and family interactions