Definition:
Intermittent explosive disorder 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. It is usually categorized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an impulse control disorder. IED belongs to the greater family of Axis I impulse control disorders listed in the DSM-IV-TR, along with kleptomania, pyromania, pathological gambling, and others.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made when other mental disorders that may cause violent outbursts have been ruled out. Furthermore, the acts of aggression must not be due to a general medical condition like a head injury, Alzheimer's disease, etc., or due to substance abuse or medication. Diagnosis is done using a psychiatric interview to affective and behavioral symptoms to the criteria listed in the DSM-IV.
Treatment:
Treatment is achieved through both cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotropic medication regiments. Therapy aids is helping the patient recognize the impulses in hopes of achieving a level of awareness and control of the outbursts, along with treating the emotional stress that accompanies these episodes. Several drug regimens are frequently indicated for IED patients.
Symptoms and Signs:
Intermittent Explosive Disorder is marked by several discrete episodes of failure to resist aggressive impulses that result in serious assaultive acts or destruction of property.
The degree of aggressiveness is shown during the episodes is grossly out of proportion to any precipitating psychosocial stress.
Causes:
The majority of cases occur when the individual is between late adolescence and late twenties. There are some evidence that the neurotransmitter serotonin may play a role in this disorder.
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intermittentexplosivedisorder
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