Intense anger outbursts, disproportionate verbal and physical aggression… These are all signs that may indicate intermittent explosive disorder (IED). I know what I’m talking about because someone in my family has it. For a long time, I struggled to understand their explosive anger reactions. I think they themselves didn’t know why they reacted that way… until they were diagnosed. Let me explain.
Anger is not easy to manage, whether you’re experiencing it or on the receiving end. But when it becomes exacerbated, with verbal or aggressive reactions, it’s even worse 😥. If you’ve ever noticed someone in your circle reacting with disproportionate anger, they might be dealing with intermittent explosive disorder (IED).
What causes someone to react this way? Unfortunately, there’s no specific cause 😕. A study by Coccaro et al. and McElroy revealed a strong emotional instability, often co-occurring with mood disorders. In other words, IED can stem from a mental health condition that prevents the brain from properly regulating emotions. However, researchers also point to genetic and environmental factors.
Did You Know? Men are more affected, with 5-7% compared to 2-3% in women. This difference can partly be explained by gender norms. Women tend to internalize their emotions, while men “explode” and act impulsively 😅. |
👋 You might find this article interesting: You're allowed to get angry at the office
To determine if you have intermittent explosive disorder (IED), you need to refer to the diagnostic criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) 📘. Here are the main criteria:
Do not self-diagnose ⚠️! Only a psychiatrist can diagnose intermittent explosive disorder after a thorough clinical assessment 👩⚕️. This list of criteria can help you understand your behavior or that of someone close to you, but it’s essential to consult a professional to confirm if it’s IED.
👋 You might find this article interesting: How to act around someone with Bipolar
Having witnessed IED from the outside, I can testify that it’s both impressive and difficult for loved ones to handle 😔. The anger episodes are so sudden and intense that you quickly feel powerless in the face of them… And I know that the person in my family affected by this has always regretted their outbursts, given the impact they had on their relationships and even their mental health 💔.
That’s why they decided to seek help, and the diagnosis was made. They were quickly directed toward cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is often used to help individuals with IED better manage their anger.
That’s what happened for my family member. Through therapy, they were able to identify the thoughts and beliefs that triggered their outbursts 🤯. More importantly, they learned stress management and relaxation techniques to avoid reaching a boiling point. Treatment also helped, as they were prescribed antidepressants to help the brain process information more effectively.
With appropriate care, it’s possible to better manage anger and significantly improve quality of life and relationships with others, even when it seems impossible.
Editorial Note: Don’t Wait for the Situation to EscalateTaking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body. If you or someone close to you is dealing with uncontrollable anger episodes, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Intermittent explosive disorder is not a life sentence, and it’s possible to regain balance with proper support. Don’t hesitate to take the step and contact a psychologist. Everyone deserves to live in harmony with themselves and others. 🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... It starts here and now! |
Also check out:
Article presented by
Lauren, Hart
"Writing is a beautiful means of expression that I cannot do without. It has allowed me to channel my hypersensitivity, plus I love writing about psychology and personal development. For me, self-understanding is the best way to move forward!"
I’m starting to get tired of the routine and daily grind. Yet, I’m hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and take the leap. My bubble is reassuring, and so far, I’ve thrived in it, but I no longer want to be held back by the fear of trying new things. Stepping out of your comfort zone brings many benefits, so how can you dare to take the plunge? Here are 5 tips to get started! 💪
We tend to think of New Year as a sort of fresh start, making it the perfect time to break a bad habit and adopt a better one. After all, we all want to be better, so it’s natural to want to make good resolutions to bring about change. But what happens when we don’t stick to them? After years and years of watching t-shirts pile up because “this year, I’m starting to exercise” and never following through, hello, sense of failure! So, what do we do with New Year’s resolutions? Do we choose better ones or just forget about them altogether? 🥳
If there’s one article I was eager to write for Wengood, it’s this one. I’m part of what’s called the “neuro-A” community, in other words, “neuroatypical” individuals. It might be a term you’ve heard before without really knowing what it means. So, what is neuroatypicality or neurodivergence? Is it an illness? A personality trait? A way of functioning? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re in the right place—I’m here to answer them.
The big introvert that I am has long struggled to approach others. It’s true that taking a step toward someone isn’t easy, especially when you’re dealing with additional challenges: introversion, lack of self-confidence, social anxiety… Having experienced all of this myself, but having made progress over the past few years, I have a few tips to share with you so that you too can come out of your shell. Let’s get started!
If I’ve never experienced a burglary as an adult, I did go through it during my childhood. I remember the uneasy feeling of knowing that strangers had entered our home. I kept wondering if they would come back… The psychological impact of a burglary should not be underestimated. What does it trigger? How can one overcome the feelings of fear and insecurity? Let me share my thoughts with you.
Now, I don’t want to make you paranoid, but the truth is that narcissists are everywhere, and that’s why it’s so important to be able to spot them and their devious ways. So, with that in mind, why wouldn't there be a narcissist lurking in the office? Has that given you food for thought, and suddenly got your mind racing? Who is your number one suspect? Is it Jon; the guy who constantly hogs the photocopier, or perhaps even Emma; the backstabbing human resources manager? In any case, knowing how to identify these personalities is essential, so discover the 10 deplorable behavioral signs you need to look out for. You’ll never look at your coworkers in the same way again!
Sharing everything with your partner is a sign of a healthy relationship for some people, even when it comes to working. However, that being said, for others, working with their partner just seems like a bad idea and the perfect recipe for tension. Do we need to separate our personal and professional lives, or is it okay to blur the lines and mix everything? After all, what could do wrong? Find out how to cope when your significant other is also your coworker!
“In any case, you’re the favorite.” I’ve heard this phrase coming from my sister’s mouth over and over again. For a long time, her jealousy spoiled our lives, but I only wanted one thing: for us to be close and united. She poured her resentment in my face for many years until it got out of control. I couldn’t stand feeling so much anger and guilt at the same time. Soothing 30 years of jealousy hasn’t been easy, but there are ways to avoid getting to that point. I didn’t want jealousy to cut me off from my sister!
Growing up with narcissistic parents is certainly no easy feat, because, let's face it, people with this disorder are unsympathetic, selfish, manipulative, egotistical, and dishonest, yes, that's right, these traits aren't exactly those showcased by the parents of the year. Realistically, these folks simply don't have the basic qualities required to become good parents, which is why, when they choose to have a family, things often spin out of control, and the narcissistic abuse undoubtedly crushes children's mental health.
Is the gaze and approval of others essential for you? Are you incapable of saying no? Do you do everything you can to get yourself noticed? This excessive need to please may well be indicative of a profound uneasiness. Why do you need to feel validated by other people so much? And how can you free yourself from this oppressing tendency? We reveal everything you need to know for a more straightforward lifestyle.
Comments