Intermittent explosive disorder
Intermittent explosive disorder is a lesser-known mental disorder marked by episodes of unwarranted anger.
It is commonly described ad "Flying into a rage for no reason". In an individual with intermittent explosive disorder, the behavioral outbursts are out of proportion to the situation.
It is estimated that between one to seven percent of individuals will develop intermittent explosive disorder during their lifetime. Usually begins in the early teens, but can be seen in children as young as six. It is most common in people under the age of 40.
Causes:
The cause of intermittent explosive disorder is unknown, but some contributing factors have been identified. Include:
- A genetic component (occurs in families)
- Being exposed to verbal and physical abuse in childhood
- Brain chemistry can contribute to the disorder.
- Having experienced one or more traumatic events in childhood
- A history of mental health disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), antisocial disorder have a borderline personality disorder.
- Nearly 82% of those with the intermittent explosive disorder have also had depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorder.
Signs:
Intermittent explosive disorder manifests itself in what seems like adult temper tantrums. Throwing objects, fighting for no reason, road rage and domestic abuse are examples of intermittent explosive disorder. The outbursts typically last less than 30 minuteS. After an outburst, an individual may feel a sense of relief- followed by regret and embarrassment.
Symptoms:
Individuals experiencing intermittent explosive disorder may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Rage
-Irritability
- An increasing sense of tension
- Racin thoughts
- Increased energy
- Tremors
- Palpitations
- Temper tantrums
- Chest tightness
- Shouting
- Being argumentative
- Getting into fights
- Threatening others
- Assaulting people or animals
- Damaging property
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis begins with taking the individual's general medical history, psychiatric history and conducting a physical and mental status exam. To be diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, an individual must display a failure to control aggressive impulses as defined by either of the following:
- Verbal aggression or physical aggression toward property, animals, or individuals, occurring twice weekly, on average for a period of 3 months. The aggression does not result in physical harm to individuals or animals or the destruction of property.
- Three episodes involving damage or destruction of property and or physical assault involving physical injury against animals or other individuals occurring within a 12-months period.
The degree of aggression displayed during the outbursts is greatly out of proportion to the situation. In addition, the outbursts are not pre-planned, they are impulse and or anger-based. Also, the outburst is not better explained by another mental disorder, medical condition, or substance abuse.
Complications:
The intermittent explosive disorder can have a very negative impact on an individual's health and life. It can lead to trouble in personal relationships and marriages. It can negatively impair a person's relationships and judgment at work and school. Individuals with intermittent explosive disorder are more likely to have other psychiatric disorders, abuse drugs, and school, and engage in self-harm.
They also are at a higher risk of some medical conditions including stroke diabetes, chronic pain, ulcer, and high blood pressure. For these reasons, it is important to seek medical attention if you think you or someone you know has intermittent explosive disorder.
Prevention:
People diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder will learn a variety of coping techniques in therapy. These can help prevent episodes. They include:
- Relaxation techniques
- Changing the ways you think
- Communication skills
- Learning to change your environment and leaving stressful situations when possible
- Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs
Prognosis:
Having intermittent explosive disorder can predispose an individual to depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug abuse. It can also lead to serve personal and relationship problems. For that reason, it is essential to seek medical help if you feel you or a family member has intermittent explosive disorder. With cognitive therapy and medication, the condition can be successfully managed. However, according to studies, it is thought that intermittent explosive disorder is a long-term condition, lasting from 12 years to 20 years or even a lifetime.
No comments:
Post a Comment