The fight-flight-freeze stress response is the biological foundation of many impulse control disorders presentations. Understanding it demystifies impulse control disorders and points toward effective interventions.
The Three Stress Responses in Impulse Control Disorders
Fight: Anger, aggression, irritability — impulse control disorders channeled outward
Flight: Avoidance, escape, withdrawal — the most common impulse control disorders behavioral pattern
Freeze: Paralysis, numbness, shutdown — depression and dissociation-type impulse control disorders
How Chronic Activation Drives Impulse Control Disorders
When the stress response activates repeatedly or doesn't turn off, it creates the chronic physiological state underlying impulse control disorders: elevated cortisol, dysregulated neurotransmitters, disrupted sleep.
Working With Your Stress Response in Impulse Control Disorders
- Name it: 'My nervous system is in fight/flight/freeze right now'
- Move: Physical movement discharges the mobilization energy of fight/flight
- Breathe: Activates the off-switch for the stress response
- Connect: Safe social engagement signals to the nervous system that the threat has passed