Medication
Intermittent explosive disorder is a chronic disorder that can continue for years, although the severity of outbursts may decrease with age. Treatment involves medications and psychotherapy to help you control your aggressive impulses. Explosive eruptions occur suddenly, with little or no warning, and usually last less than 30 minutes.
Therapy
Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation. Road rage, domestic abuse, throwing or breaking objects, or other temper tantrums may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder.
Does intermittent explosive disorder go away?
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What are the symptoms of intermediate explosive disorder?
These may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify triggers
- Relaxation Techniques
- Mindfulness
- Self-soothing methods to cope with anger
- Learning techniques to manage an overload of emotions
Can intermittent fasting help with MS symptoms?
How to deal with a person with IED?
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What medications treat intermittent explosive disorder?
There are no specific medications for IED, but certain medications may help to reduce impulsive behavior or aggression. These include: antidepressants, in particular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) mood stabilizers, including lithium, valproic acid, and carbamazepine.
How can I control my intermittent explosive disorder?
PreventionStick with your treatment. ... Practice relaxation techniques. ... Develop new ways of thinking (cognitive restructuring). ... Use problem-solving. ... Learn ways to improve your communication. ... Change your environment. ... Avoid mood-altering substances.
Can IED disorder be cured?
While there is no cure for IED, you can gain control over the symptoms with proper rehab. There are inpatient treatment programs designed specifically to meet the needs of people suffering from intermittent explosive disorder.
What triggers intermittent explosive disorder?
Exposure to violence and aggression during childhood, going through traumatic experiences, or being the victim of abuse and/or neglect are examples of some environmental factors that could bring about intermittent explosive disorder symptoms.
What is the best medication for anger?
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Antidepressants such as Prozac, Celexa and Zoloft are commonly prescribed for anger issues. These drugs do not specifically target anger within the body, but they do have a calming effect that can support control of rage and negative emotion.
How do you get diagnosed with IED?
You'll be diagnosed with IED if you experience one of the following:verbal or physical aggression toward things, animals, or other people, twice a week (on average), within 3 months, which doesn't cause physical damage or injury.three aggressive outbursts that cause damage or injury, within 12 months.
How do you treat intermittent explosive disorder naturally?
Controlling your angerUnlearning problem behavior. Coping well with anger is a learned behavior. ... Developing a plan. Work with your doctor or mental health professional to develop a plan of action for when you feel yourself getting angry. ... Improving self-care. ... Avoiding alcohol or recreational or illegal drugs.
Is intermittent explosive disorder a mental illness?
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an often overlooked mental disorder identified by episodes of anger, sudden outbursts in which the person loses control entirely. This mental disorder usually begins in childhood or adolescence. Most people continue to experience it later in their life, though.
Is IED inherited?
Causes and risk factors for IED Genetic: Intermittent explosive disorder is believed to be hereditary for some people. Especially in those with a first-degree relative who suffers from this condition, research has concluded that some individuals have a genetic predisposition to the development of IED.
What causes intermittent explosive disorder?
The cause of intermittent explosive disorder is unknown, but some contributing factors have been identified. They include: 1 A genetic component (occurs in families) 2 Being exposed to verbal and physical abuse in childhood 3 Brain chemistry (varying levels of serotonin) can contribute to the disorder 4 Having experienced one or more traumatic events in childhood 5 A history of mental health disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder 6 Nearly 82 percent of those with intermittent explosive disorder have also had depression, anxiety or substance abuse disorder
How does intermittent explosive disorder affect people?
Intermittent explosive disorder can have a very negative impact on an individual’s health and life. It can lead to trouble in personal relationships and marriages. It can negatively impair a person’s relationships and judgment at work and school.
How long does intermittent explosive disorder last?
However, according to studies, it is thought that intermittent explosive disorder is a long-term condition, lasting from 12 years to 20 years or even a lifetime.
When does explosive disorder start?
Intermittent explosive disorder usually begins in the early teens, but can be seen in children as young as six. It is most common in people under the age of 40.
How long does an explosive outburst last?
The outbursts typically last less than 30 minutes. After an outburst, an individual may feel a sense of relief – followed by regret and embarrassment.
What is the best treatment for IED?
Seeing a counsellor, psychologist, or therapist alone or in a group setting may help a person manage symptoms of IED. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that involves identifying harmful patterns and using coping skills, relaxation techniques, and relapse education to deal with aggressive impulses.
How long does it take for CBT to reduce IED symptoms?
A 2008 study found that 12 weeks of individual or group CBT reduced IED symptoms including aggression, anger control, and hostility. This was true both during treatment and after three months.
How does an IED affect your life?
IED can impact your close relationships and everyday activities. Frequent arguments and more aggressive behavior can make it difficult to maintain stable and supportive relationships. Episodes of IED can cause significant harm within families.
What does it feel like to have an IED?
Feelings of irritation, rage, and loss of control are commonly reported before or during the episode. People with IED might experience racing thoughts or a sense of emotional detachment. Immediately after, they might feel tired or relieved. People with IED often report feelings of remorse or guilt following an episode.
What is an IED?
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a condition that involves sudden outbursts of rage, aggression, or violence. These reactions tend to be irrational or out of proportion to the situation. While most people lose their temper once in a while, IED involves frequent, recurring outbursts. Individuals with IED might throw tantrums, destroy ...
How to reduce stress?
making time for relaxing activities, such as listening to music. practicing meditation or other mindfulness techniques. trying alternative therapies, such as acupressure, acupuncture, or massage.
What causes an IED?
Little is known about what causes IED. The cause is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors include genes passed from parent to child. Environmental factors include behaviors that a person is exposed to as a child. Brain chemistry may also play a role.
What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
IED is a behavioral disorder characterized by repeated episodes of explosive rage that is disproportionate to the triggering situation, according to the Child Mind Institute. These episodes are normally intense and brief, lasting less than 30 minutes each. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of IED might include:
What is the treatment for rage?
One of the mainstays of treatment is cognitive behavior therapy (C BT). During these sessions, therapists work to teach skills that can be applied throughout the person’s life. These include: Learning to recognize triggers and minimize their effect. Recognize the warning signs of rage and create a plan of action.
What are the symptoms of an IED?
IED is a behavioral disorder characterized by repeated episodes of explosive rage that is disproportionate to the triggering situation, according to the Child Mind Institute. These episodes are normally intense and brief, lasting less than 30 minutes each. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of IED might include: 1 temper tantrums 2 tirades 3 heated arguments 4 shouting 5 slapping, shoving or pushing 6 physical fights 7 property damage 8 threats or assaults to people or animals
What are the risk factors for IED?
The exact cause of IED is not understood, however, the Child Mild Institute says the risk factors include: A history of other mental health disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder.
What does it mean when someone has an IED?
Instead, the person is unable to resist angry impulses. People with IED may describe feeling out of control.
What are the causes of explosive behavior?
When diagnosing IED, medical professionals should rule out other potential causes of explosive behavior, such as brain trauma, substance abuse, and other psychiatric illnesses. People with IED are also at risk of developing other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
What are the risks of having an IED?
They have a higher risk of self-harm and suicide, according to the Child Mild Institute.
What is intermittent explosive disorder?
Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation. Road rage, domestic abuse, throwing or breaking objects, or other temper tantrums may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder.
What mental health disorders are associated with intermittent explosive disorder?
History of other mental health disorders. People who have antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder or other disorders that include disruptive behaviors, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have an increased risk of also having intermittent explosive disorder.
What are the factors that increase the risk of developing intermittent explosive disorder?
Risk factors. These factors increase your risk of developing intermittent explosive disorder: History of physical abuse. People who were abused as children or experienced multiple traumatic events have an increased risk of intermittent explosive disorder. History of other mental health disorders.
How to avoid explosive episodes?
Stick with your treatment. Attend your therapy sessions, practice your coping skills, and if your doctor has prescribed medication, be sure to take it. Your doctor may suggest maintenance medication to avoid recurrence of explosive episodes. Practice relaxation techniques.
What are explosive verbal and behavioral outbursts?
The explosive verbal and behavioral outbursts are out of proportion to the situation, with no thought to consequences, and can include: Temper tantrums. Tirades. Heated arguments. Shouting. Slapping, shoving or pushing. Physical fights. Property damage. Threatening or assaulting people or animals.
When does explosive disorder start?
Intermittent explosive disorder can begin in childhood — after the age of 6 years — or during the teenage years. It's more common in younger adults than in older adults. The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but it's probably caused by a number of environmental and biological factors.
How to handle stressful situations?
Change your environment. When possible, leave or avoid situations that upset you. Also, scheduling personal time may enable you to better handle an upcoming stressful or frustrating situation.
How to treat intermittent explosive disorder?
There are several ways to treat intermittent explosive disorder. The most popular form of treatment is medication. Medications for IED aim to lower impulsivity and raise one's mood. If someone is feeling happier and less impulsive, it is less likely that they would respond to potential triggers with anger and rage. It is important to feel in control of your body and mind to live a healthy life.
Why is the rate of intermittent explosive disorder so high in the military?
While a direct cause has not yet been correlated, the rate of those being diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder has been discovered to be very high in military personnel. It is largely believed that while the military is trained to focus and sustain life in a highly stressful situation, it leaves them ill-equipped for civilian life afterward. When living in a heightened state of awareness, one's stress level increases and may cause over-reactions to the simplest triggers in life.
What is the disorder that causes explosive outbursts of anger?
When these interruptions to life occur because of anger, it is time to reach out for help. Intermittent explosive disorder causes explosive outbursts of anger that are frequently accompanied by violence and disproportionate to the issue or situation at hand. Punching, kicking, screaming, or throwing things may occur.
How does online therapy help with IED?
The participants reported significantly decreased incidences of aggression, in addition to an increase in positive emotions and self-esteem following treatment. This finding corresponds with the conclusions of a similar study in which anger was successfully decreased after an online cognitive therapy program. Cognitive-behavioral therapy works by helping individuals reframe the negative thought patterns that can often lead to unwanted feelings and behaviors, such as severe, problematic anger, so that triggering situations and interactions are more manageable.
What is the DSM-5?
Intermittent Explosive Disorder In The DSM-5. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has included intermittent explosive disorder in its Fifth Edition. According to the DSM-5, there are several intermittent explosive disorder symptoms. Some, but not all, include:
Can anger management help with IED?
Most people can benefit from anger management techniques, not just those diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder. These are techniques that children should learn throughout their lives so that they can better accept troubles that will occur in their lifetime. Often, though, those experiencing IED will require the help of a mental health expert to manage their symptoms.
Is intermittent explosive disorder always identifiable?
While the cause of intermittent explosive disorder is not always concretely identifiable, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of this disorder, and take proper measures to receive treatment from a professional.
What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
Classified as an impulse control disorder in the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition ( DSM-IV ), intermittent explosive disorder (IED) occurs when an individual reacts to a minor stressful situation in an overly aggressive manner, such as through a physical attack, violent threats or the deliberate destruction of property. Similar to obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders in which individuals feel compelled to act on their impulses regardless of consequences, individuals with this disorder report feeling unable to control their aggressive impulses and “lose control” in response to any type of frustration or stress.
What is the best treatment for IED?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appears to be the most effective type of therapy for treating individuals with IED. This very structured type of therapy is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the patient that is designed to be short-term and focuses specifically on the disorder itself by challenging the patient’s belief system. Once that belief system is tested, behavior becomes easier to change because the patient is no longer holding on to their previously rigid beliefs.
What is the best medication for IED?
Medications Used in Treating IED. The most common medications used to treat intermittent explosive disorder are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro and Zoloft. SSRIs are very effective because they prevent the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter.
What happens if you leave an IED untreated?
If left untreated, bouts of IED can lead to harm to others, arrests for assault or destruction of property, suicidal thoughts or acts, loss of jobs, loss of relationships and/or divorce, car accidents, school suspensions, and possibly imprisonment.
How many IED attacks are there in a lifetime?
Also, this group had an average of 43 attacks over their lifetime. This level and intensity of attacks is connected with extensive functional impairment and requires intensive intervention through medication and therapy.
How does CBT help with aggressive behavior?
Specifically, CBT helps the patient identify the situations or behaviors that trigger an aggressive response through recognizing and modifying inappropriate thinking, behavior, and emotions. Once these triggers are identified, the therapist assists the patient in establishing the necessary skills for adjusting their beliefs, recognizing their irrational thought processes, and developing more flexibility in coping with stressful situations, thus positively changing their response to stressful situations.
When is it best to diagnose an IED?
Also, diagnosing and treating IED may be more successful if the disorder is caught early, which is very possible since it tends to occur during the teen and early adulthood years.
Drugs used to treat Intermittent Explosive Disorder
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.
Further information
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What Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
Intermittent explosive disorder makes you aggressive and violent without any specific reason. It involves a series of verbal outbursts, physical fights, and sudden anger.
What Are the Causes of Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
Several environmental and genetic factors can contribute to this disorder's development. Some known intermittent explosive disorder causes include:
What Are the Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
An intermittent explosive disorder episode can happen at any time. Some people have episodes daily, while others stay nonaggressive for weeks and months. A typical incident lasts for less than 30 minutes.
How Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder Diagnosed?
Doctors usually consult the standard Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual to diagnose the disorder better. It says that an individual must experience three episodes of IED at any stage of their life to be diagnosed.
What Is the Treatment for Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
The best intermittent explosive disorder treatment is psychotherapy. Some doctors may also suggest medications along with the therapy.
Can Intermittent Explosive Disorder Be Prevented?
People with IED usually don't have control over themselves. You can control your anger, though, with professional treatment and by following some tips:
