
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?
Some early studies suggest intermittent fasting might improve MS symptoms by calming the overactive immune response that damages nerves. It sounds promising, but more research is needed. Meanwhile, fasting isn’t a mainstream treatment, which includes disease-modifying drugs and steroids.
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?
See more

Where can I get help for intermittent explosive disorder?
If you recognize your own behavior in the description of intermittent explosive disorder, talk with your doctor about treatment options or ask for a referral to a mental health professional. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
What doctor treats intermittent explosive disorder?
If you're concerned because you're having repeated emotional outbursts, talk with your doctor or make an appointment with a mental health professional who specializes in treating emotional disorders, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker.
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.
How do you treat IED naturally?
Can IED Be Treated, and How Can I Be Supportive?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.
What medication is best 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 fix an explosive anger?
Do something to distract yourself mentally or physically – anything that completely changes your situation, thoughts or patterns can help stop your anger escalating. For example, you could try: putting on upbeat music and dancing. doing something with your hands, like fixing something or making something.
What triggers IED?
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.
Is IED hereditary?
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.
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.
How do I live with 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 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.
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
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.
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 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 ...
What is the age range for impulsive behavior?
are under the age of 40. grew up in a verbally or physically abusive household. experienced multiple traumatic events as a child. have another mental illness that causes impulsive or problematic behavior, such as: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) antisocial personality disorder.
Is it rare to have an IED?
However, it was first called IED in the third edition. Prior to the third edition, it was believed to be rare. With updated diagnostic criteria and advances in IED research, it’s now believed to be much more common. In 2005, a study. Trusted Source.
Is there a negative impact on IED?
Still, there are a number of interventions that aren’t likely to have a negative impact. Some of these include:
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:
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 is an IED?
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, ...
What is the disorder that makes you lose control?
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. Intermittent explosive disorder appears ...
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.
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.
Can you cure intermittent explosive disorder?
Curing Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Available Treatment Options. Unfortunately, curing intermittent explosive disorder is not possible, but there are good treatment options that can help control the disorder, reduce the amount of attacks, and improve quality of life. The first step in treating IED is to be examined by a physician ...
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 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.
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:
How to deal with anger and rage?
In doing this, the first step is to recognize that the present state of anger and rage is not healthy and must be changed. Then, other treatments, such as anger management or cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be utilized. Therapists can help to establish why the anger is present and how to dissipate it.
Why is it important to be less impulsive?
It is important to feel in control of your body and mind to live a healthy life. However, sometimes medications may mask the root of the problem. For that reason, therapy is also used.
Is intermittent explosive disorder a DSM?
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. Intermittent Explosive Disorder In The DSM-5.
Can IED be dangerous?
An individual that is diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) should seek the help of a professional to treat their condition. If left untreated, it can lead to some very dangerous situations . As with any mental health diagnosis, it is important to learn about your condition and what techniques help.
What is an IED?
Other names: IED. Intermittent explosive disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme expressions of anger, often to the point of violence, that are disproportionate to the situation at hand.
What is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision?
There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. 2. Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
