What is intermittent explosive disorder?

Intermittent explosive disorder DSM 5 from the American Psychiatric Association is defined as “recurrent behavioral outbursts representing a failure to control aggressive impulses.” 

Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation. Road rage, domestic abuse, throwing or breaking objects, or other temper tantrums may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder. Intermittent explosive disorder is a chronic disorder that can continue for years, although the severity of outbursts may decrease with age.

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What are intermittent explosive disorder symptoms?

These intermittent, explosive outbursts cause you significant distress, negatively impact your relationships, work and school, and they can have legal and financial consequences.

Explosive eruptions occur suddenly, with little or no warning, and usually last less than 30 minutes. These episodes may occur frequently or be separated by weeks or months of nonaggression. Less severe verbal outbursts may occur in between episodes of physical aggression. You may be irritable, impulsive, aggressive or chronically angry most of the time.

Aggressive episodes may be preceded or accompanied by:

  • Rage
  • Irritability
  • Increased energy
  • Racing thoughts
  • Tingling
  • Tremors
  • Palpitations
  • Chest tightness

The explosive verbal and behavioral outbursts are out of proportion to the situation, with no thought to consequences, and can include:

  • Temper tantrums
  • Tirades
  • Heated arguments
  • Shouting
  • Slapping, shoving or pushing
  • Physical fights
  • Property damage
  • Threatening or assaulting people or animals

How is intermittent explosive disorder treated?

Following a thorough psychiatric evaluation, a Remedy psychiatric provider will create an individualized intermittent explosive disorder treatment plan for each patient with intermittent explosive disorder as every patient has a unique experience and specific needs to be addressed on how to deal with intermittent explosive disorder. The prescribed treatment plan will depend on the patient, the severity of the disorder, and how he or she is currently responding to therapy or medication.

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