Risk factors for individual impulse control disorders vary. Some common risk factors of impulse control disorders, not elsewhere classified, include:

• Gender. Impulse control disorders more common in men than women include intermittent explosive disorder, pyromania and gambling addiction. More women than men have impulse control disorders such as trichotillomania and kleptomania (about two-thirds of patients diagnosed with kleptomania are women). Among children, trichotillomania occurs equally among girls and boys.
  
  
• Age. Impulse control disorders such as intermittent explosive disorder, gambling addiction and trichotillomania typically begin in early life – from childhood to early adulthood (early 20s). Some impulse control disorders may occur at any age (e.g., kleptomania).
  
  
• Heredity. There appears to be a genetic component to gambling addiction. Whether this is a risk factor for the other types of impulse control disorders is unknown.

The causes of impulse control disorders are not clearly understood.

Some behaviors involving impulse control may be caused by other mental health disorders or medical conditions. This can include various personality disorders, mood disorders or conditions such as head trauma, Alzheimer’s disease or epilepsy. The behavior may also be motivated by revenge, personal gain or substance intoxication or withdrawal.