In the last decade, much needed attention and research have been focused on the group of psychiatric conditions termed "impulse control disorders," or ICDs. Pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, kleptomania, hypersexuality, and Internet "addiction," among other disorders, are characterized by a recurrent urge to perform a repetitive behavior that is gratifying at the moment but causes significant long-term distress and disability. Despite the high rate of comorbidity with

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... ive disorder, ICDs are now clearly distinguished from this disorder by a unique clinical approach for diagnosis and treatment. A wide array of psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic options are now available for treating these disorders. Drs. Elias Aboujaoude and Lorrin M. Koran have compiled the world's foremost experts in ICD research and treatment to create a comprehensive book on the frequency, evolution, treatment, and related public policy, public health, forensic, and medical issues of these disorders. This is the first book to bring together medical and social knowledge bases related to impulse control disorders.