A Simple Guide to Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

This book describes Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesIf you have watched 'Jolt' a recent movie about a girl suffering from Intermittent Explosive Disorder. you would know how fast anger and violence can occur in the person once she is irritated. A similar character who becomes angry and violent easily is the Incredible Hulk, a Marvel comic character. Everyone gets angry.
Anger is a normal part of life. It can come on in response to small irritants or major events. For some, anger responses may become unpredictable and cause problems in relationships, at work, and at home. When these interruptions to life occur because of anger, it is time to reach out for help. But even if you occasionally explode, that is not necessarily a symptom of intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a behavioral disorder characterized by frequent fits of rage that are out of proportion.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a medical disorder that involves sudden outbursts of rage, aggression, or violence. These are recurrent events of violent aggressive behavior in an otherwise normal person. These reactions are likely to be irrational or out of proportion to the triggering events. While most people lose their temper once in a while, IED causes frequent, recurring outbursts. Patients with IED might throw tantrums, damage property, or attack others verbally or physically.
Intermittent explosive disorder causes explosive outbursts of anger that are often followed by violence and disproportionate to the issue or situation at hand. Punching, kicking, screaming, or throwing things may happen. Being at the receiving end of this rage is frightening, and for those who live with this problem, it can feel terrifying to be out of control to such a degree. Persons normally depict the incidence of episodes as spells or attacks in which the fiery behavior is regulated by a sense of tension or urging.
This is instantly followed by a sense of reprieve. Often, a genuine repentance or concern is communicated after the outburst. Once the action is over, these persons may feel upset, regretful or ashamed of their behavior. The cause is probably a combination of several factors such as genetic, physical and environmental factors. Studies suggest that repeated impulsive and aggressive behavior is linked with low serotonin levels in the brain.
Some behaviors that might be signs of IED are:1. Temper tantrums2. Intense arguments3. Screaming and shouting4. Threats5. Road rage6. Punching walls or breaking plates7. Damaging property8. Physical violence, such as slapping or shoving9. Fights or brawlsThese spells or attacks often happen with little to no warning. They are short-lived, rarely persisting longer than half an hour. Diagnosis pf IED is based on DSM-5 criteria.
There is no single treatment that is best for everyone with intermittent explosive disorder. The treatment involves medicines and psychotherapy to help the patient control the aggressive impulses. Treatment is attempted through cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotropic medication regimes, though the pharmaceutical methods have shown limited success. Therapy assists in 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Intermittent Explosive DisorderChapter 2 CausesChapter 3 SymptomsChapter 4 DiagnosisChapter 5 TreatmentChapter 6 PrognosisChapter 7 Borderline Personality DisorderChapter 8 Antisocial Personality DisorderEpilogue