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Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is characterized by recurring, unexpected episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts that are severely out of proportion to the situation. Intermittent explosive disorder can manifest as road rage, spousal abuse, throwing or smashing objects, or other temper tantrums.
These sporadic, explosive outbursts cause you tremendous grief, have a detrimental influence on your relationships, work, and education, and can have legal and financial ramifications.
Intermittent explosive disorder is a chronic condition that can last for years, however the severity of outbursts may lessen with maturity. Medication and psychotherapy are used to help you control your aggressive urges.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INTERMITTENT EXPLOSIVE DISORDER?
Explosive eruptions happen unexpectedly, with little or no notice, and often last less than 30 minutes. These episodes can be frequent or spaced out by weeks or months of nonaggression. Between bouts of physical hostility, less violent verbal outbursts may occur. Most of the time, you may be irritable, impulsive, aggressive, or persistently furious.
Aggressive episodes can be preceded or accompanied by the following:
- Rage
- Irritability
- Enhanced energy
- Racing thoughts
- Tingling
- Tremors
- Palpitations
- Tightness in the chest
The explosive verbal and behavioral outbursts are out of proportion to the circumstances, with no regard for the repercussions, and can include the following:
Temper tantrums
Tirades
Heated arguments
Shouting
slapping, pushing, or shoving
Physical altercations
Damage to property
threatening or attacking humans or animals
Following the episode, you may have feelings of relief and exhaustion. You may later feel sorrow, regret, or embarrassment.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INTERMITTENT EXPLOSIVE DISORDER?
Intermittent explosive disorder can begin in childhood (after the age of six) or in adolescence. It affects more young people than elderly people. The specific cause of the disorder is unknown, however it is most likely the result of a combination of environmental and biological factors.
- Environment: The majority of those who have this illness grew up in homes where explosive behavior and verbal and physical abuse were widespread. Being exposed to this form of violence at a young age increases the likelihood that these children will exhibit these same characteristics as they grow older.
- Genetics: There could be a hereditary component to the condition, causing it to be handed down from parents to children.
- Differences in how the brain functions: People with intermittent explosive disorder may have different brain structure, function, and chemistry than people who do not have the illness.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR INTERMITTENT EXPLOSIVE DISORDER?
The following factors raise your chances of having intermittent explosive disorder:
- Physical abuse in the past: People who were abused as children or who witnessed repeated traumatic occurrences are more likely to develop intermittent explosive disorder.
- Other mental health disorders in the past: People with antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, or other disorders that include disruptive behaviors, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are more likely to develop intermittent explosive disorder.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF INTERMITTENT EXPLOSIVE DISORDER?
People suffering from intermittent explosive disorder have an increased risk of:
- Relationship problems: Others frequently regarding them as perpetually furious. There could be regular verbal battles or physical abuse. These behaviors can result in relationship issues, divorce, and family hardship.
- Work, home, or school problems: Other consequences of intermittent explosive disorder may include job loss, school suspension, car accidents, financial difficulties, or legal troubles.
- Problems with your mood: Intermittent explosive disorder is frequently associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Alcohol and other substance abuse issues: Intermittent explosive disorder is frequently accompanied by drug or alcohol problems.
- Physical health issues: Medical disorders, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, ulcers, and chronic pain, are becoming more widespread.
- Self-harm: Intentional injury or suicide attempts do occur on occasion.
HOW IS INTERMITTENT EXPLOSIVE DISORDER DIAGNOSED?
To make a diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder and rule out other physical or mental health illnesses that could be causing your symptoms, your doctor will most likely:
Perform a physical examination: Your doctor will try to rule out any health issues or substance abuse that may be causing your symptoms. Lab testing may be part of your exam.
Conduct a psychological evaluation: Your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns will be discussed with your doctor or mental health expert.
Apply the DSM-5 criteria: The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is frequently used by mental health professionals to identify mental illnesses.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR INTERMITTENT EXPLOSIVE DISORDER?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for intermittent explosive disorder. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication are commonly used in treatment.
Psychotherapy
Individual or group therapy sessions focusing on skill development can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a common type of therapy, can help patients with intermittent explosive disorder:
- Determine whether events or behaviors are likely to elicit an aggressive response.
- Learn tactics for managing anger and controlling improper responses, such as relaxation training, thinking differently about events (cognitive restructuring), and applying communication and problem-solving skills.
Medication
Various drugs may aid in the treatment of intermittent explosive disorder. Certain antidepressants, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, and other medicines may be used if necessary.
HOW CAN INTERMITTENT FASTING BE PREVENTED?
If you have intermittent explosive disorder, prevention is largely out of your hands until you seek expert help. These tips, when combined with or as part of treatment, may help you prevent some instances from spiraling out of control:
- Maintain your treatment regimen: Attend your therapy sessions, practice your coping skills, and take any medicine given by your doctor. To avoid recurrence of explosive episodes, your doctor may recommend maintenance medication.
- Use relaxing techniques: Deep breathing, relaxing thoughts, or yoga on a regular basis may help you stay calm.
- Create new ways of thinking (cognitive restructuring): Using sensible thinking, acceptable expectations, and logic to change the way you think about an unpleasant circumstance may enhance how you view and react to an incident.
- Use problem-solving techniques: Make a strategy for resolving a vexing situation. Even if you can't solve the problem right immediately, having a strategy in place might help you concentrate your efforts.
- Learn how to enhance your communication skills: Listen to the message the other person is attempting to convey, and then consider your best response rather than speaking the first thing that comes to mind.
- Change your surroundings: Leave or avoid circumstances that distress you whenever feasible. Additionally, arranging personal time may help you deal with an anticipated unpleasant or uncomfortable scenario.
- Mood-altering substances should be avoided: Don't consume alcohol or illegal or recreational drugs.