Signs You Have Intermittent Explosive Disorder & The Best Treatment Options

It often starts with something small. Maybe a minor inconvenience. Maybe something harmless that someone says that rubs you the wrong way. Suddenly, you’re screaming bloody murder, destroying things, and possibly trying to harm others. Then, once the anger subsides, you’re struck with deep regret over the things that you said and did in your rage, as well as the fear of the possibility of hurting the people you love without meaning to.

If this sounds familiar, it’s likely that you’re suffering from intermittent explosive disorder. But don’t worry. While it sounds scary, mental health experts like Mission Connection say that it’s totally treatable. Let’s take a look at their comments on this little-known condition.

What is IED?

If you haven’t heard of intermittent explosive disorder, you’re not the only one. Here’s a simplified explanation: Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health disorder characterized by episodes of impulsive anger or aggression that are out of proportion to the trigger. 

It affects more people than you may think. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, the condition will affect as many as 16 million Americans in their lifetimes. 

Although it is relatively unknown, IED often leads to impulsive behaviors that may sound familiar - things like extreme road rage, domestic violence, workplace conflict, and other outbursts that can result in bodily harm and property damage. That’s why health experts recommend that those with the condition seek treatment as soon as possible.

Signs of IED

IED typically develops in a person’s adolescent years and may increase their risk of developing anxiety or depression. Because many do not recognize that it is a mental disorder, those who struggle with it may go undiagnosed into adulthood. 

So, how do you know if you or a loved one has it? Mission Connection says that mental health practitioners have identified several signs that can act as indicators of whether an individual is suffering from the condition.

For example, if aggressive outbursts occur twice a week on average for three months or more, these will be classified as a symptom of IED under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5). These episodes must be sudden, intense, and out of the individual’s ability to control, and they may include destruction of property, verbal abuse, or physical aggression towards people or animals - often resulting in regret.

Causes and Treatments

It’s hard to say what causes IED, but it’s usually associated with traumatic experiences, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and structural variations in certain regions of the brain. So don’t be ashamed if you experience it; you can’t help it if your brain’s missing a few of the tools it needs to control that anger.

Luckily, Mission Connection says that various treatments can give you those tools. In fact, IED is often successfully treated with psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy. Aside from helping you examine your thought patterns, these treatments will also have you working with professionals who will teach you relaxation techniques and coping skills. These will help you identify potential triggers and manage or prevent future outbursts, which in turn will help you reduce the impact of the disorder on your life over the long term.

Wondering where you can get treatment for yourself or your loved one? Mental health providers like Mission Connection offer comprehensive outpatient programs that are tailored to the needs of the patient. They also have plenty of resources you can refer to if you want to learn more. Check them out at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/