Understanding Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a behavioral and impulse disorder characterized by impulsive aggressive outbursts that are disproportionate to the stressor. These episodes can be highly distressing and often involve physical aggression, property damage, and even self-harm.

Causes of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

While the exact cause of IED is not fully understood, researchers suggest a combination of genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. One overlooked but significant cause is passive-aggressive parenting, which can shape a child's perception of themselves and their worth.

In passive-aggressive parenting, the parent does not acknowledge a child's efforts or improvement, leading the child to believe they are never good enough. This continuous state of disappointment and unacknowledged improvement can result in significant stress. Over time, this toxic environment can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, despite the lack of dramatic or immediate traumatic incidents.

Behavioral Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Individuals with IED often display various behavioral symptoms:

Physical aggressiveness towards people or objects Verbal aggressiveness, including screaming and shouting Angry outbursts Property damage Road rage, which can manifest in aggressive driving behavior

Physical Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

IED can also cause physical symptoms:

Headaches Feelings of pressure in the head Chest tightness Muscle tension Palpitations Tremors Tingling sensations

Cognitive Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Cognitively, individuals with IED may experience:

Low frustration tolerance Feelings of loss of control over thoughts Racing thoughts during episodes of aggression

Psychosocial Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Psychosocially, individuals with IED may feel:

A loss of control over their thoughts Rage Irritability Brief periods of emotional detachment

Signs and Symptoms of IED

The signs and symptoms that may indicate IED include:

Frequent episodes of verbal or physical aggression, such as screaming, shouting, or physical altercations Aggressive outbursts disproportionate to the situation at hand A tendency to feel irritable, tense, or anxious before the outburst A sense of relief or pleasure after the outburst Episodes of aggression that are spontaneous and impulsive The behavior is not consistent with the person's age, gender, or cultural norms A history of recurrent aggressive outbursts over a period of at least six months

Diagnosis and Treatment

The only surefire way to know if someone has IED is to speak to a psychologist. However, you can have an educated guess based on the symptoms described.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a behavioral and impulse disorder characterized by episodes of explosive anger, often disproportionate to the stressor. These episodes occur as anxiety attacks but with anger instead of worry. Like anxiety attacks, IED episodes involve physical symptoms such as tremors, palpitations, and racing thoughts. IED episodes typically last no more than 30 minutes and can be characterized by a desire to attack people, property, or even oneself, often with the feeling of great relief once the episode ends.

There are two types of IED:

High frequency/low intensity: Requires frequent episodes (at least one or two a week) for at least three months, with no significant physical damage. Low frequency/high intensity: Requires fewer episodes (at least three in a year), but these must be intense and can cause significant damage to oneself, others, or property.

If you suspect you have IED, it is crucial to speak to a psychologist to explore treatment options. Internet resources, like this one, cannot provide a diagnosis; only a qualified professional can do so.