Intermittent explosive disorder

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme expressions of anger, often to the point of uncontrollable rage, that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. IED is in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) under the "Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders" category.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of IED are repeated episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which the individual reacts grossly out of proportion to the situation. These episodes may involve assault or destruction of property. The individual may describe these episodes as "spells" or "attacks" in which the explosive behavior is preceded by a sense of tension or arousal and followed by a sense of relief. Later, the individual may feel upset, regretful, or embarrassed about the outburst.

Causes

The exact cause of IED is unknown, but it's probably caused by a number of environmental and biological factors. Environmentally, it's believed to be influenced by how a person is brought up, including their family's approach to discipline and tolerance of aggressive behavior. Biologically, it could be due to certain chemicals in the brain that carry signals between nerve cells not functioning properly.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of IED is typically made by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. The diagnosis is based on a clinical interview to evaluate the presence of the symptoms of IED as well as any other possible psychiatric disorders. The professional may also use various scales and questionnaires to assess the individual's mood, anxiety levels, and risk of suicide or violence.

Treatment

Treatment for IED typically involves a type of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants or antipsychotics. CBT can help an individual to identify situations or feelings that trigger their aggressive episodes, and develop skills to manage anger and control their responses.

See also

• Impulse control disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Anger management