Intermittent Explosive Disorder includes frequent and sudden impulsive anger outbursts that go way out of proportion to the event that triggers it. This outburst is often very aggressive and violent and includes verbal or behavioral outbursts. You might have noticed in your daily life in the form of domestic violence or abrupt aggression, which seems hard to calm.

Repeated episodes of this anger outburst can interfere with your daily life and can destroy personal and professional relations. We will discuss this mental disorder in detail while covering some important aspects, such as symptoms and treatment.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: A Brief Overview

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is a problematic condition related to mental health, which includes a sudden anger outburst over trivial situations. It can cause serious distress among the individuals, thereby affecting their lives adversely. People with Intermittent Explosive Disorder have a very low level of tolerance for adversities, and they fail miserably in handling stressful situations.

They look and act normal until an episode of anger outburst shows up. It can come up in different forms, such as verbal arguments, physical fights, aggression, or temper traumas. It is a form of impulse control disorder. A majority of the people who suffer from IED are found to have other mental health-related conditions, such as depression, anxiety, externalizing disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, and several others.

What Are The Potential Reasons Behind Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)?

The exact reason for the intermittent explosive disorder is yet to be discovered. However, there are some factors, such as genetic, biological, and environmental factors, that can evoke this mental-health related condition:

Genetical Factors

Intermittent Explosive Disorder can destroy relations and families, and it is highly likely to run into one’s genes. Researchers have found that about 72% of the IED cases are linked to having it in family history.

Environmental Factors

Environment is also one of the potential factors that can cause this brain disorder. If instances of violent outbursts in the form of physical or verbal abuse are common in one’s surroundings, the chances are higher that one will develop a similar violent behavior later. Childhood trauma can also make an individual prone to developing IED.

The Brain Itself

People with IEDs are found to have different structures and chemistry in their brains when compared to those who don’t have it. According to the research, people with Intermittent Explosive Disorder showed lower levels of the neurotransmitter hormone – serotonin.

Signs And Symptoms Of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

The impulsive anger outburstsare the most common signs of IED. The episodes of attacks can take place abruptly while they are not expected and are short-lived. They generally don’t exceed longer than half an hour. It shows some other symptoms as well that can help you determine the situation:

• Shouting and yelling.
• Serious arguments.
• Temper tantrums appear hard to tame.
• Threatening.
• Involvement in road rages.
• Punching walls or breaking things.
• Throwing things and damaging the property.
• Slapping, shoving, or other types of physical violence.
• Heated fights or brawls.
• Assault.
• Domestic violence.

The physical symptoms of this condition may include the following instances:

• Rise in the energy level (adrenaline rush).
• Headache or head pressure.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Muscle tension.
• Tingling.
• Tremors.
• Heart palpitations.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Now that you are aware of the causes and symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, we can move ahead and discuss the most effective treatment to fix it. Therapy is one of the most effective ways for people having Intermittent Explosive Disorder. A counselor, psychologist, or therapist can help individuals with this condition in one-on-one or group settings.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the best psychotherapy that can be helpful in this condition. It helps professionals determine the harmful patterns and treat them using relaxation techniques, coping skills, and relapse education in order to deal with aggressive impulses. Moreover, it is a proven way to relieve a wide range of symptoms, including aggression, anger control, and hostility. Moreover, it is also helpful for children with oppositional defiant disorder, who can grow IED later.

Alternative Treatments

There are some lifestyle changes that can also help in relieving the symptoms of IED, such as getting sound sleep, adopting a balanced diet, meditation, regular workouts, quitting alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, involving yourself in stress busters, and several others. However, if it can’t help you with your situation, then you should go with professional therapy sessions.

Ending Note!

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is a brain disorder that can disrupt your personal life and affect your relationships. Therefore, it is crucial to address it as soon as the signs become apparent. You can seek professional assistance from experts to get help with this situation and gradually relieve the symptoms.