Several disorders have been classified in the DSM-IV as impulse control disorders, including: pathological gambling, kleptomania, intermittent explosive disorder, trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling), and pyromania. In addition, several other disorders have been proposed as belonging to this category, such as: compulsive Internet use, compulsive sexual behavior, pathologic skin picking, and compulsive buying. Impulse control disorders are extreme versions of behaviors that people have suffered from for centuries. In their pathological versions, these disorders are experienced by approximately 5-15% of the U.S. population. This means that between 14 and 42 million Americans have struggled with these behaviors. The impulse control disorders have generated a remarkable amount of data supporting the claims that these are truly common and disabling behaviors. Clinicians need to understand these behaviors and how to address them. Impulse Control Disorders is the first comprehensive book on this topic for clinicians, providing clear clinical guidance on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in a variety of modes, and follow-up. Because many clinicians are unfamiliar with impulse control disorders, this book provides a detailed method for assessing and treating them. A screening instrument is provided, and the book provides evidence-based approaches to both pharmacological and psychosocial treatment interventions. Problems with keeping people in treatment and the role of the family are also examined. Many impulse control disorders raise legal issues that often make clinicians uncomfortable. Impulse Control Disorders examines some common legal problems associated with certain impulse control disorders. Designed as a wide-ranging and up-to-date guide for both new and experienced clinicians, Impulse Control Disorders provides a detailed understanding of impulse control disorders and treatment options. --- from the publisher Contents: 1. Clinical Characteristics of Impulse Control Disorders 2. Models for Understanding Impulse Control Disorders 3. The Compulsive-Impulsive Spectrum: The Compulsive Aspects of Impulse Control Disorders 4. Comorbidity with Drug and Alcohol Disorders: Understanding the Addictive Aspects of Impulse Control Disorders 5. Intermittent Explosive Disorders: Relationship to Impulse Control Disorders? 6. Etiology of Impulse Control Disorders 7. Assessment of Impulse Control Disorders 8. How to Treat Impulse Control Disorders 9. The Role of the Family 10. Legal Issues in Impulse Control Disorders Appendix: Resources for Clinicians Appendix: Referral Sources for Patients About the Author: Jon E. Grant, J.D, Ph.D., MPH, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Grant runs an outpatient clinic for impulse control disorders at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. An author of over 100 peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Grant is also the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Gambling Studies. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. |