Final answer:
Impulse control disorders are characterized by a failure to resist impulsive urges. The five stages are preoccupation, impulsive urges, immediate gratification, regret and guilt, and temporary relief.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impulse control disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders characterized by a failure to resist impulsive urges, resulting in distress and impaired functioning. The five stages of impulse control disorders are:
- Preoccupation: The individual becomes fixated on thoughts or desires related to the impulsive behavior, often to the detriment of other aspects of their life.
- Impulsive urges: The person experiences intense and overwhelming urges to engage in the impulsive behavior, feeling a loss of control.
- Immediate gratification: The individual gives in to the impulsive behavior, seeking immediate pleasure or relief.
- Regret and guilt: After the impulsive act, the person experiences feelings of regret, guilt, or shame.
- Temporary relief: The individual may temporarily feel relief or a sense of release from the distressing thoughts or urges, but this is often followed by a cycle of preoccupation and impulsive urges.
For example, in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), individuals may struggle with impulse control, often acting on their urges without considering the consequences. They may experience preoccupation with certain thoughts or desires, intense urges to act on them, and feelings of regret or guilt afterward.