Anger Issues

Explosive anger disorder, also known as intermittent explosive disorder (IED), is a mental health condition characterized by frequent episodes of intense, out-of-control anger that leads to aggressive verbal outbursts or violent behavior that is out of proportion to what triggered it. IED is a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), listed under the category of disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders. What are the symptoms of Explosive Anger Disorder? A person with explosive anger disorder may feel as though he or she has lost control of his or her emotions and be so overcome by rage he or she lashes out verbally, makes threats, starts screaming, physically attacks animals or people, throws or breaks things, has temper tantrums, kicks in doors, punches holes in walls, or engages in behaviors such as road rage or domestic abuse. Outbursts can come on suddenly, and the aggressive behavior is impulsive, with no thought of what the consequences might be. After the fit is over, the person may regret his or her actions and feel guilty, ashamed, or sorry for what he or she has said or done. Are there any warning signs of an outburst about to happen? Some warning signs that you are about to have an explosive anger outburst include irritability, a growing sense of tension, sudden rage, rapid heartbeat, racing thoughts, a feeling of tightness in your chest, tingling, and/or shakiness. Causes The exact cause of explosive anger disorder is unknown. However, there appear to be several possible contributing factors such as a genetic predisposition; changes in brain structure, function, and chemistry; life experiences; and the environment you are exposed to during childhood. If, for instance, you were abused or bullied as a child or grew up in a family where [...]