Violent outbursts and unforeseen tantrums in which the person completely loses control are hallmarks of intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a mental disorder that is frequently overlooked.
Usually, this psychological condition first manifests in childhood or youth. However, most people still deal with it throughout their adult life. While each person’s course of treatment for intermittent explosive disorder is unique, psychotherapy and medication are commonly used.
What Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)?
When you have intermittent explosive disorder, you become angry and aggressive for no apparent cause. It includes a string of angry outbursts, confrontations, and physical altercations.
Certain indicators may point you to identifying this condition, such as:
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- Intense anger, e.g., road rage
- Physical or Verbal abuse of others
- Throwing or breaking of objects.
Such behaviour can wear you out and can interfere with your daily routine and interpersonal interactions. Most of the time, it might also result in loss of money and legal troubles.
What causes Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
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Family history (hereditary factors)
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Previous childhood experiences of verbal or physical abuse;
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Imbalances in brain chemistry and function, that may be related to serotonin levels;
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Prolonged or ongoing trauma
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History of other mental illnesses such as ADHD, depression, anxiety or substance abuse
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Diagnosis of Borderline or Anti-social Personality disorder
What makes Intermittent Explosive Disorder so different?
An episode of intermittent explosive disorder can occur at any moment. Some people experience small episodes every day, while certain individuals never get violent for weeks or months at a time.
Impulsivity drives the actions of those suffering from Intermittent Explosive Disorder. The severity of symptoms varies in individuals and some might be less inclined to verbally abuse others, but they could act violently when they do.
An IED event usually lasts no more than 30 minutes and majority of these individuals subsequently regret what they did.
The following are typical signs of IED:
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- unexpected rage
- intense irritability around people
- disorganized thinking.
- increased excitability
- use of foul or insulting language to make a point
- initiation of heated disputes
- aggressive yelling
- threatening behavior in order to vent one’s wrath
- aggressive gestures such as striking or pushing a person
- causing damage to one’s own or another person’s property
Accompanied by:
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- chest tightness or pressure;
- palpitations
- tingling in the hands, arms, or legs
- tremors or trembling
How is the diagnosis of Intermittent Explosive Disorder made?
To help identify the condition more accurately, doctors typically refer to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5. It states that in order to receive a diagnosis, a person must have three IED experiences at any given time in their lives. The individual must also exhibit bodily signs, such as causing harm to others or destruction of property.
If you or someone you know have had the above symptoms, consult a physician to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder Treated?
Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for intermittent explosive disorder. Some medical professionals might advise using medication in addition to treatment.
People with IED can better manage and modify their behaviour with the use of cognitive behavioural therapy. CBT may help you what sets off violent outbursts. It also teaches strategies to manage and regulate your aggressive behavior and improve communication skills.
Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help manage your mood.
Other self-help pointers to consider
1. Consider things differently. Try to create logical justifications to situations to help you respond to them logically. You can’t make a difference unless you restructure your thinking.
2. Improve your ability to communicate. Attempt to hear the other person out before responding hastily.
3. Use calming strategies. As part of your regimen, practice breathing techniques and regular meditation.
4. Modify your daily routine. Planning your day to include a variety of activities will keep you from getting frustrated with the daily humdrum.
5. Steer clear of drugs that affect mood. Both recreational drugs and alcohol have a big effect on mental states and can increase your challenge in stabilizing your behavior.
Local Mental health services in Nova Scotia
If you or a family member needs help, you can self-refer to a mental health or addictions clinic, service or program through the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre.
Call toll-free: 1-855-922-1122 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and evening hours Tuesday, 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm).
I know someone experiencing this. For almost 6 months, Yung sobrang magagalitin, sobrang abusive nya magsalita, and to the point na nanininira na Ng gamit. He has family history, and also Meron din syang childhood trauma. Matindi at malalang pambubugbog Ang nakuha nya sa tatay. Na Minsan halos parang torture na ginagawa sa kanila. Kahit binata na Sila ay nakakatikim pa din Ng bugbog. Kaya matinding galit Ang nabuo sa puso nya sa tatay, Hanggang mamatay Ang tatay.
Now he’s married and with 6 kids. Nag cheat yung wife nya, yan Ang main reason daw nya kaya madalas Ang pagwawala nya. To the point na halos lahat Ng anak din nya ay may trauma at galit na rin sa kanya. Minsan nakapag bitaw na rin sya Ng salita na maglalagay Ng tingga sa ulo ng pamilya nya. Pero after nyang magwala kusa din naman syang huhupa at mananahimik. Minsan daw kahit madaling Araw, bigla na lang gigising at makikipag away sa Asawa nya. Pero ayaw naman nyang hiwalayan yung Asawa nya.
I tell him na magpa consult, baka due to childhood trauma and on going trauma kaya sya ganyan. Pero ayaw nya Kasi baka magtalo lang daw sila Ng doktor at I debate nya pa.
Is there any other way para matulungan namin sya, or how to convince him na magpa consult? Ilang beses ko na kasing sinasabi to pero ayaw nya, parang Hindi sya maniniwala.
Hello Jhoan,
The best way to help your friend is to encourage him to see a psychiatrist. A professional would know how to handle him even if he argues or becomes disgruntled. He needs to work through his childhood trauma so he wouldn’t do the same thing to his kids. He may also need medications.
Best of luck!