Intermittent Explosive Disorder – What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!

Intermittent Explosive Disorder – What it is, Causes and Treatments  that many are unaware of. In addition, Intermittent Explosive Disorder  involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, or 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 distress can be signs of Intermittent Explosive Disorder . These intermittent, explosive outbursts cause great discomfort, negatively impact your relationships, work, and school, and can have legal and financial consequences.

Intermittent  Explosive Disorder is a chronic illness that can continue for years, although the severity of the outbursts may decrease with age. Treatment involves medication and psychotherapy to help you control your aggressive urges.

Causes of  Intermittent Explosive Disorder:  The exact cause of Intermittent Explosive Disorder is unknown, but it is likely caused by a number of environmental and biological factors. The disorder usually starts in childhood — after the age of 6 — or during adolescence and is most common in people under the age of 40.

Environment: Most people with this Intermittent Explosive Disorder  grew up in families where explosive behavior and verbal and physical abuse were common. Being exposed to this type of violence at an early age makes it more likely that these children will exhibit these same traits as they mature.

Genetics: There may be a genetic component, causing the disorder to be passed from parents to children.

Brain chemistry: There may be differences in the way serotonin, an important chemical messenger in the brain , works in people with Intermittent Explosive Disorder .

Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Explosive eruptions occur suddenly, with little or no warning, and usually last for less than 30 minutes. These episodes may occur frequently or separated by weeks or months of non-aggression. Less severe verbal outbursts occurred between episodes of physical aggression. You may be irritable, impulsive, aggressive or chronically angry most of the time.

Aggressive episodes may be preceded or accompanied by:

• Rage
• Irritability
• Energy boost
• tremors
• Palpitations
• chest tightness

Verbal and behavioral outbursts are disproportionate to the situation, without thought of consequences, and can include:

• wounds of anger
• tirades
• heated arguments
• Yelling
• Knocking, pushing or pushing
• physical fights
• Materials damage
• Threatening or assaulting people or animals

You may feel a sense of relief and tiredness after the episode. Later, you may feel remorse, regret, or embarrassment.

When to see a doctor:  If you recognize your own behavior in the description of Intermittent Explosive Disorder , talk to your doctor about treatment options or ask for a referral to a mental health provider.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder Treatments: There is no one treatment that is best for everyone with Intermittent Explosive Disorder . Treatment usually includes talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication.

Psychotherapy: Individual or group therapy sessions can be helpful. A common type of therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people with Intermittent Explosive Disorder :

Identify which situations or behaviors can trigger an aggressive response.

Learn how to manage anger and control inappropriate responses using techniques such as relaxation training, thinking differently about situations (cognitive restructuring), and learning coping skills.

Medication: Different types of drugs can help treat Intermittent Explosive Disorder . These medications may include certain antidepressants (specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs), anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, or other medications if needed.