08.Intermittent Explosive Disorder

08.1.What is Intermittent ExplosiveDisorder?

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) involves sudden, impulsive acts ofaggression or violent behavior. These episodes may take the form of spells orattacks, with symptoms beginning minutes, or hours, before the actual act. Aperson with IED may have frequent episodes, or weeks or months may go bywithout any episodes.

08.2.Causes

Research suggests that intermittent explosive disorder (IED) can be linkedto something in our surroundings or something going on in our body. Some peoplemay be more likely to show explosive behavior because of an abnormality in thearea of the brain that controls behavior. Others may develop IED as a result ofharsh punishments from their parents or observing others around them (parents,siblings, etc.) acting out in explosively violent ways.

08.3.Symptoms

People with IED have violent behaviors that are impulsive and often areout of proportion with the situation. They may feel the following either beforeor during the episode:

Rage

Racing heart

Irritability

Sudden burst of energy

After an outburst, someone with IED will feel a sense of relief frombuilt-up tension. While many with IED blame others for causing their violentoutbursts, they also express remorse and guilt.

08.4.Treatment

Research has found that therapy using cognitive approaches that challengethe patients’ negative view of the world and other people were effective inreducing the intensity and frequency of violent episodes.

Some medications, including some antidepressants, are also effective intreating IED.