Overcoming Impulse Control Problems ─ A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program

If you feel you are no longer in control of your behavior, that your actions may have interfered with your family, social, or working life, this workbook can help you take back control.

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) include pathological gambling (PG), kleptomania/compulsive stealing (KM), pyromania/fire setting (PY), and compulsive buying (CB). ICDs are characterized by difficulties resisting urges to engage in behaviors that are excessive and/or ultimately harmful to oneself or others. ICDs are relatively common and can be significantly harmful - even life threatening. They can also be effectively treated with behavioral therapies.

Overcoming Impulse Control Problems is written by researchers with years of experience studying the psychology of impulse control disorders. This book represents the treatment they have found to be the most effective at controlling urges to gamble, steal, set fires, and over-spend. It will also help you to better understand the true nature of impulse control problems, and will help to prevent future problems. Intended for use in conjunction with supervised therapy, this workbook includes various self-assessmnets and exercises designed to help you realize the truth behind your actions, and to reach the ultimate goal of changing your impulsive behaviors.

This workbook and the corresponding therapist guide form a complete treatment package that will help you overcome your impulsive behaviors and learn skills that are useful for a lifetime.

Jon E. Grant, JD, MD, MPH, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Impulsive Compulsive Disorders Clinic at the University of Minnesota Medical School. An author of over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications, Dr. Grant serves on the editorial boards of several journals and is the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Gambling Studies.

Christopher B. Donahue, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. He is involved in ongoing collaboration with co-authors investigating treatments for impulse control disorders. Dr. Donahue has published book chapters and refereed journal articles on the treatment of anxiety and impulse control disorders. Other areas of research include cognitive behavioral therapy for comorbid alcohol and anxiety disorders and Exposure/Response Prevention treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. Dr. Donahue divides his time between research and an independent clinical practice.

Brian L. Odlaug, BA, is a graduate student in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota and concurrently works in the Department of Psychiatry as the Lead Clinical Research Coordinator for the Impulse Control Disorders Clinic. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters exploring the phenomenology, treatment, and clinical characteristics of impulse control disorders and other psychiatric conditions. His current research interests include examining the public health consequences of behavioral addictions on individual quality of life and their economic and social impact in the general population.