This self-assessment can help you better understand the types of impulse control disorders and the likelihood that you have one.
The term impulse control disorder is an umbrella term used to describe different types of mental health conditions, including disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Common impulse-control disorders include:
Although each type of disorder has unique causes and symptoms, all impulse-control disorders involve problems with emotional and behavioral self-control.
Impulse-Control Disorder Self-Assessment Quiz
This confidential quiz can help you recognize problematic behaviors and understand the likelihood of you having an impulse-control disorder. However, this quiz is not an official, clinical diagnosis; only a medical professional can diagnose you with an impulse-control disorder. Discuss the results of this assessment with a physician or mental health professional to determine whether you need impulse-control disorder treatment.
This assessment will ask your age and sex, along with “yes” or “no” questions about your thoughts and behaviors in the past six months.
Are you male? (Impulse-control disorders are more prevalent among males than females.)
Are you age 18 or older? (Most impulse-control disorder symptoms are behaviors that can occur in young people.)
Have you had behavioral outbursts frequently? (e.g., displays of verbal or physical aggression toward people or animals.)
Have you frequently experienced obsessive thoughts?
Have you felt unbearable impulses or urges to engage in problematic behaviors?
Have you felt unable to control your behavior?
Have you engaged in problematic behaviors to release tension (e.g., anxious thoughts) or to feel pleasure?
Have you repeatedly engaged in problematic behaviors despite negative consequences?
Have you intentionally destroyed someone else’s property?
Have you broken any laws or faced any legal consequences (including warnings, fines, arrests or incarceration) because of your symptoms?
Have your symptoms or behaviors been present since childhood or adolescence? (Onset of impulse-control disorders is predominantly during adolescence.)
Have your symptoms or behaviors severely disrupted your daily life?
