Description

Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden bouts of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts. The reactions are too extreme for the situation. Road rage, domestic abuse, throwing or breaking objects, or other temper tantrums may be signs of a disorder, intermittent explosive.

These explosive outbursts, which are produced and cause great suffering. These can damage relationships and cause problems at work or in school. It can also result in problems with the law.

Intermittent explosive disorder is a long-term condition that can last for years. But the severity of outbursts may decrease with age. The treatment consists of psychotherapy and medication to help control their aggressive impulses.

Symptoms

Impulsive attacks and outbursts occur suddenly, with little or no warning. They usually last less than 30 minutes. These episodes can occur frequently or be separated by weeks or months. Verbal outbursts or less serious physical attacks can occur even in the midst of these times. You may be irritable, impulsive, aggressive or angry most of the time.

Before an aggressive fight, you may feel:

  • Rage.
  • Irritability.
  • More tension and energy.
  • Racing thoughts.
  • A tingling sensation.
  • The tremor.
  • Fast or pounding heartbeats.
  • Tightness in the chest.

The explosive and verbal outbursts are too intense for the situation, without thinking about what could happen as a result. The explosions may include:

  • The temper tantrums.
  • Long, angry speech.
  • The lively discussions.
  • Screaming.
  • Slapping or pushing.
  • Physical fights.
  • Damage to the property.
  • Threaten or cause harm to people or animals.

You may feel a sense of relief and tiredness after the explosion. Later, you may feel guilty, I feel sorry for their actions or embarrassed.

When to see a doctor

If you recognize your own behavior in the description of intermittent explosive disorder, talk with your doctor or another health professional about treatment options. You can also ask for a referral to a mental health professional.

Causes

Intermittent explosive disorder can begin in childhood after the age of 6 years or during the teenage years. It is more common in young adults than in older adults. The exact cause of the disease is not known. It may be caused by the conditions of life and learned behaviors, genetics, or differences in the brain.

  • Environment of life. Most people with this condition grew up in families where the explosive behavior and verbal and physical abuse were common. Children who see or go through this type of violence at an early age are more likely to have these same traits as they grow.
  • Genetics. Genetics may play a role. It could be a gene associated with the tendency to react more easily to stress. This gene can be passed on from parents to children.
  • The differences in how the brain works. There may be differences in the structure, function and chemistry of the brain in people with intermittent explosive disorder compared with the brains of people who do not have the disorder.

Risk factors

These factors increase your risk of developing the disorder intermittent explosive:

  • History of physical abuse. Being abused as a child, being bullied, or going through other disturbing, surprising, or painful events can increase the risk of intermittent explosive disorder.
  • The history of other mental health conditions. Have antisocial personality disorder or borderline personality disorder can increase the risk of also have intermittent explosive disorder. So there may be other disorders include disruptive behavior, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Problems with alcohol and drugs may also be a risk factor.

Complications

People with intermittent explosive disorder have a higher risk of:

  • Problems with relationships. Other, it is often thought that people with intermittent impulsive disorder are always angry. Verbal fights, or physical abuse can often occur. These actions can lead to relationship problems, divorce and family stress.
  • Problems at work, at home or at school. Complications of intermittent explosive disorder may include the loss of a job, out of school suspension, road traffic accidents, money troubles, or problems with the law.
  • Problems with mood. Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety often occur with intermittent explosive disorder.
  • Problems with the use of alcohol and drugs. Problems with alcohol or drugs often occur along with intermittent explosive disorder.
  • Physical health problems. Medical conditions are more common and can include, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, ulcers, and ongoing pain.
  • Self-harm. The self-injury or suicide attempts occur at times.

Prevention

If you have intermittent explosive disorder, prevention is likely beyond your control, unless you receive treatment from a mental health professional.

After you start the treatment, follow the plan, and practice the skills that you can learn. If the medication is prescribed, be sure to take it. Do not use alcohol or drugs.

When possible, leave or avoid the situations that bother you. Also, the time schedule staff to allow you to decrease the stress can help you better manage an upcoming stressful or frustrating situation.

Diagnosis

To diagnose intermittent explosive disorder and to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, your health care professional is likely to:

  • Do a physical exam. This can be done to try to rule out physical problems, or alcohol or drug use that could be the addition or the cause of your symptoms. The exam may include laboratory tests.
  • To do a mental health evaluation. Talk with your health care professional about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

Treatment

There is not a single treatment that is best for all people with intermittent explosive disorder. Generally, treatment includes talk therapy, also called psychotherapy and medicine.

Talk therapy

Individual or group therapy sessions that focus on building skills that can be useful. Commonly used type of therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps people with intermittent explosive disorder:

  • Identify triggers. Learn what situations or behaviors that can trigger an aggressive response.
  • The practice of relaxation techniques. The Regular use of deep breathing, relaxation of images or yoga can help you to remain calm.
  • Develop new ways of thinking. Also called cognitive restructuring, this involves obtaining the ability to think about a frustrating situation in new or different ways. With the help of a professional, to learn how to do this through the identification of thoughts and expectations that are not reasonable and change to be more realistic. These techniques can improve the way you see and react to the events.
  • The use of problem resolution. Plan ways to solve a frustrating problem by being assertive and not aggressive. Even if you cannot fix the problem right away, having a plan can refocus their energy.
  • Learn ways to improve communication. Listen to the message that the other person is trying to share. Then, think of your best response instead of saying the first thing that comes to mind.

Between therapy sessions, regularly practice the skills they have learned.

Medications

Different types of medicines that can help in the treatment of disorder intermittent explosive. These can include certain antidepressants — usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Ssris). Anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers, or other medications that can be used if necessary.

Some people need to take medicine for a long time to help prevent the explosive outbursts.

Coping and support

Controlling your anger

Part of your treatment may include:

  • Change learned behavior problem. Coping well with the anger is a learned behavior. The practice of the skills learned in therapy to help you recognize the triggers his outbursts and how to respond in ways that work for you instead of against you.
  • The creation of a plan. Work with your doctor or mental health professional to develop a plan of action for when you're feeling angry. For example, if you think that you could lose control, try to stay away from that situation. Go for a walk or call a trusted friend to try to calm down.
  • Improve self-care. Get a good night of sleep, exercise and practice of stress management each day can help to improve his frustration tolerance.
  • Avoid the consumption of alcohol or street drugs. These can make you more aggressive and increase the risk of explosive outbursts.

If your loved one does not get help

Unfortunately, some people with intermittent explosive disorder do not seek treatment. If you're in a relationship with someone who has intermittent explosive disorder, take measures to protect yourself, your children and your pets. The abuse is not your fault. No one deserves to be abused.

Create an escape plan to stay safe from domestic violence

If you see that the situation is getting worse, and you suspect that your loved one may be on the verge of an explosive episode, try to safely remove yourself and your children from the scene. But leave it to someone with an explosive temper can be dangerous. It is a good idea to make a plan ahead of time.

Consider taking these steps before an emergency:

  • Contact a domestic violence hotline or shelter for the advice. Do this when the abuser is not at home or from a friend's house.
  • Keep all firearms locked or hidden. Do not give the abuser the key or combination to the lock.
  • Pack an emergency bag that includes items you need with you when you leave. Include items such as clothes, keys, personal documents, medicines and money. Hide or leave the bag with a trusted friend or a neighbor.
  • Tell a trusted neighbor or a friend about the violence , so that the person can call for help if they are concerned.
  • Know where you're going and how you will get there if you feel threatened, even if this means that you have to leave in the middle of the night. You may want to practice getting out of your home safely.
  • Create a keyword or visual signal which means that you need to the police. Share it with your friends, family, and their children.

Get help to protect you from domestic violence

These resources can help:

  • Of the police. In case of an emergency, call 911, your local emergency number or their local law enforcement agency.
  • Your team of health care or the emergency department of the hospital. If you're injured, health professionals can treat and document your injuries. We can let you know what local resources can help to keep you safe.
  • The National Domestic violence Hotline:1-800-799-SAFE(1-800-799-7233). This line is available for crisis intervention and referrals to resources such as shelter, counseling and support groups.
  • A local domestic violence shelter or crisis center. Shelters and crisis centers often provide 24-hour emergency shelter. It is also possible that the members of staff who can offer advice on legal issues, and advocacy and support services.
  • A counseling or mental health center. Many communities offer counseling and support groups for people in abusive relationships.
  • A local court. The local court can help you obtain an order of protection that are legally entitled to order the abuser to stay away from you or the face of the detention. Local advocates may be available to help guide you through the process. You may also submit aggression or other charges when necessary.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are worried because you have repeated emotional outbursts, talk with your doctor or other health care professional. Or make an appointment with a mental health professional who specializes in the treatment of emotional disorders, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. Here is some information to help make the most of your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms that you are taking, including those that do not seem to be related to the reason for the appointment.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses, recent life changes and triggers his outbursts.
  • All the drugs, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that you are taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions to ask. Preparation questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Some basic questions to ask include:

  • Why do I have these bursts of anger?
  • Do I need any tests?
  • Is this condition temporary or long-term?
  • What treatments are available? Which would I recommend?
  • What are the side effects of treatment?
  • There are options other than the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • Is there a generic option for the medicine you're prescribing?
  • How long does therapy take to work?
  • Do you have any printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Feel free to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care or mental health professional is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • How often do you have outbursts of anger?
  • What triggers his outbursts?
  • Injuries or insults to others?
  • You have the damaged property when angry?
  • You've tried to hurt you?
  • Has his outbursts caused problems with his family or at school, or at work?
  • Nothing seems to do these attacks occur more often?
  • Nothing seems to make these episodes occur less often?
  • Is there something that helps you calm down?
  • Has anyone in your family ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
  • Have you ever had a head injury?
  • Currently, the use of alcohol, drugs or other substances?

Be prepared to answer these questions will save you time to talk about what is important to you.

Symptoms and treatment of the disorder Intermittent explosive