Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme expressions of anger, often to the point of uncontrollable rage, that are disproportionate to the situation at hand.
Pronunciation
Intermittent: /ˌɪntərˈmɪt(ə)nt/ Explosive: /ɪkˈspləʊsɪv/ Disorder: /dɪsˈɔːdə/
Etymology
The term "Intermittent Explosive Disorder" is derived from the characteristics of the condition itself. "Intermittent" refers to the episodic nature of the anger episodes, "Explosive" refers to the intensity of the episodes, and "Disorder" signifies a pattern of behavior that is considered abnormal or dysfunctional.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of IED is recurrent episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior and angry verbal outbursts, usually lasting less than 30 minutes. These episodes may involve:
- Temper tantrums
- Tirades
- Heated arguments
- Physical fights
- Property damage
- Physical assaults or threats of assault to people or animals
Causes
The exact cause of IED is unknown, but it's probably caused by a number of environmental and biological factors:
- Genetics: IED may be more common in people who have family members with the same disorder or other mental health disorders.
- Brain chemistry: People with IED may have an imbalance of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood.
- Environment: People who were exposed to violent behavior or experienced physical or emotional abuse in childhood may be more likely to develop IED.
Treatment
Treatment for IED typically involves a type of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, or both.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy can help individuals with IED learn to manage their anger and control their aggressive impulses.
- Medications: Certain types of psychiatric medications, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, may be helpful in treating IED.
Related Terms
- Anger
- Aggression
- Mental Health
- Behavioral Disorder
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychiatric Medications
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.