What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by sudden episodes of disproportionate anger. Causes include chemical imbalances in the brain and traumatic experiences. These explosions of aggressiveness can be devastating for the personal, work and social relationships of those who suffer from it.

Currently, there is a proliferation of this clinical condition that cannot be solved. Although IED is less known than other mood disorders, its impact on quality of life is significant. In this PsychologyFor article, we will provide you with information about what the Intermittent explosive disorder: causes, symptoms and treatment.

Causes of intermittent explosive disorder

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) has multiple causes, which can be both biological and environmental. The main ones are the following:

• Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition increases the risk of developing intermittent explosive disorder, as it is more common in people with a family history of behavioral or emotional disorders.
• Chemical imbalances in the brain: Alterations in neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, cause the inability to control anger and emotional outbursts.
• Traumatic experiences: Exposures to situations of abuse, maltreatment, accidents or violent environments during childhood can influence the development of IED, by establishing patterns of uncontrolled response to stress. Furthermore, the consumption of toxic substances, the abuse of medications and the presence of other mental health disorders can promote the appearance of this clinical condition.
• Development problems: Abnormal development in brain areas involved in emotion regulation and decision making can predispose a person to intermittent explosive disorder.
• Environmental factors: Chronic stress, social or work pressure, and other external conditions can trigger IED symptoms. Likewise, we must take into account the economic, political and cultural conditions that influence each person.

In any case, we recommend you read this article on How to control anger and aggression.

ymptoms of intermittent explosive disorder

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of impulsive aggression disproportionate to the situation that triggers them. The main symptoms include:

• Sudden attacks of anger: unexpected episodes of intense rage, without significant provocation. The outbursts are usually brief (less than 30 minutes) but intense, and may occur recurrently, such as several times a week or more sporadically.
• Verbal aggression: insults, screams or threats towards other people during angry episodes.
• physical assault: hitting, pushing or acts of violence towards people, animals, or objects, such as breaking things.
• Feeling of relief after the episode: Many people with IED experience temporary relief after angry episodes, often followed by regret or shame.
• Lack of control: inability to control aggressive impulses during episodes, leading to extreme behavior.
• Disproportionate reactions: The emotional response is excessive compared to the triggering situation, such as becoming extremely angry over a minor problem.

The isolated presence of any of these symptoms does not imply an intermittent explosive disorder. To achieve an adequate diagnosis, it is essential to know the particularities of each person. as determined by a mental health professional.

Treatment of intermittent explosive disorder

Treatment for intermittent explosive disorder (IED) combines psychological therapy and, in some cases, medications to help sufferers control their aggressive impulses. The main approaches include:

Psychological therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common treatment for intermittent explosive disorder. CBT helps people Identify and change distorted thought patterns that trigger episodes of anger. In this way, the patient acquires tools to cope with situations of stress and/or anxiety in a more pleasant way.

Drug therapy

The provision of antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers or anticonvulsant medications is an effective alternative in severe cases. They help regulate chemical imbalances in the brain that may be causing the IED. It is common to use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine. However, psychiatric medication must be supervised by a specialized mental health professional.

Education and support

Participate in educational programs and support groups for people with intermittent explosive disorder can help you better understand the disorderdevelop skills to manage it and receive support from others facing similar challenges.

How to Prevent Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Preventing intermittent explosive disorder (IED) can be difficult due to its underlying genetic and biological factors, but there are several strategies that can reduce the risk or severity of its symptoms. We show them to you below:

• Practice problem solving: Approaching problems with a calm approach, rather than reacting impulsively, can reduce the likelihood of an explosive response.
• Live a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest can help regulate mood and reduce stress, which in turn decreases the likelihood of having anger episodes.
• Control stress: Incorporating stress management techniques into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, or time outdoors, can help you stay calm and avoid the buildup of tension that could cause aggressive reactions.
• Avoid substance abuse: Alcohol or drug use can exacerbate anger management problems and should be avoided.
• Strengthens social relationships: Having a strong support network can provide you with an environment that reduces stress and offers help in times of tension.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is intermittent explosive disorder: causes, symptoms and treatment we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.

References:

• American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing.
• Mallén Herráiz, V. (2017). Intermittent explosive disorder: a proposal for its supervision in the classroom. Jaume University.
• Zapata, JP, Palacio, JD (2015). Intermittent explosive disorder: a controversial diagnosis. Colombian Journal of Psychiatry, 45 (3), 214-223.