Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of aggressive, violent behavior in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation.
- Road rage, domestic abuse, and angry outbursts or temper tantrums that involve throwing or breaking objects may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder (IED).
- People with intermittent explosive disorder may attack others and their possessions, causing bodily injury and property damage.
- Later, people with intermittent explosive disorder may feel remorse, regret or embarrassment.
- Treatment may involve medications and psychotherapy to control the aggressive impulses.
DSM criteria include:
- Multiple incidents in which the person failed to resist aggressive impulses that resulted in deliberate destruction of property or assault of another person.
- The degree of aggressiveness expressed during the incidents is completely out of proportion with the precipitating event.
- The aggressive episodes aren’t accounted for by another mental disorder and are not due to the effects of a drug or a general medical condition. (more)