[elderboyd]

I'm new to this site, although i have sought out advice from the forums many times in my life. I made an account because I couldn't seem to find information on the correlation between anxiety and impulse control. Lately I have been having problems with impulsive thinking and I wanted to know if anyone else with anxiety has had this. Some of the thoughts that I get are "If I dont break my arm right now, something horrible will happen" or "I need to punch through this window or else". I get these repeatedly and theyre really troubling. The imagery is often graphic although these thought in a way offer some sort of anxiety relief. Almost as if actually acting on these impulses will stop my anxiety. Is there a troubling nature to these thoughts? Is there any reason they have been happening so much? I've brought it up at therapy although I never seem to be able to explain it properly.

[benzenering]

Sorry, elderboyd...I noticed no one has addressed your concern. I've never heard of anxiety being correlated w/ impulse control, but there are many other diagnoses that will contribute to impulsiveness. Best to consult your pdoc. Best wishes.

[Skeezyks]

Hello elderboyd: Anxiety is something I struggle with. And I do certainly think there is a relationship between anxiety & impulse control. However, at least in my case, how that relationship tends to manifest is in me feeling as though I need to do whatever it is I'm thinking about doing... right now... asap! And I also tend to be compulsive about doing whatever it is as completely & accurately as possible. Plus I get really down on myself when something is not done perfectly... especially if it's something I know how to do.

I don't find myself telling myself I need to break my arm or punch out a window in order to prevent something horrible from happening. To my non-professional mind, what you're describing sounds more like an OCD sort of thing; although something like that could certainly be aggravated by anxiety I would presume. At least that's my thinking with regard to what you described.

Anyway... since you're new to the site... to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! May the time you spend here be of benefit.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!

[Sunflower123]

I do find a connection between anxiety and impulsiveness although in my case my thoughts are not as troubling as yours. I'm glad you don't follow through on these actions and that you've attempted to bring them up in therapy. You might also bring it up with your pdoc.

[Unrigged64072835]

I haven't had impulsiveness with anxiety, but do notice my thoughts can get obsessive sometimes. You may want to check with a pdoc.

[Guiness187055]

I have had anxiety and impulsive thoughts but that was in a depressed state. Ask a doctor you could have some underlying depression.

This to me does not sound like a lack of impulse control. Rather it is indicative of a form of OCD and your actions are a coping mechanism.