Understanding Anger Issues, Aggressive Behavior & Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Anger is a natural emotional response, and everyone experiences it occasionally. However, when anger becomes excessive, frequent, or out of proportion to the situation, it may signal an underlying issue. Individuals who exhibit sudden, intense verbal outbursts or physical aggression may be struggling with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). These outbursts typically last under 30 minutes but can leave the person feeling drained, remorseful, or even ashamed. Research indicates that people with IED often have trouble recognizing and processing their emotions. Conditions like ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, or personality disorders can increase the risk of angry or violent behavior. Studies show that over 80% of those with IED also deal with depression, anxiety, or substance misuse.
Who Experiences Anger Issues?
Anger-related problems can affect anyone, though they are more commonly reported in males. Approximately 2.7% of Americans are believed to suffer from IED. The disorder usually begins in childhood or adolescence and is most prevalent among adults in their 20s and 30s. Onset after age 40 is rare. Those raised in abusive or traumatic environments are at higher risk for developing IED and similar conditions. Additionally, a family history of IED can further increase susceptibility.
Key Symptoms of Chronic Anger
Some individuals feel a constant sense of irritability, while others may experience unpredictable, intense episodes of anger. These sudden flare-ups can be accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms such as increased energy, racing thoughts, chest pressure, heart palpitations, and muscle tension. Common signs of IED and chronic anger include:
- Frequent episodes of intense rage
- Outbursts of yelling or temper tantrums
- Persistent irritability or moodiness
- Verbal and/or physical confrontations
- Physical aggression such as hitting, shoving, or slapping
- Damage to property, injury to others, or harm to animals
Consequences of Untreated Anger Disorders
Without proper treatment, IED and chronic anger can lead to serious long-term issues, including:
- Strained or broken relationships
- Workplace conflicts or job loss
- Academic difficulties
- Legal trouble or criminal charges
- Financial instability
- Alcohol or drug dependency
- Mental health challenges
- Self-injurious behavior
Common Causes of Explosive Anger
IED and other anger disorders often occur in individuals with a history of:
- Childhood neglect or abuse
- Emotional trauma or repeated stressful experiences
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Personality disorders such as borderline, narcissistic, or antisocial traits
- Anxiety disorders
Misdiagnosis
People whose anger problems get them into trouble with relationships or the law are often sent to anger management classes, which can be very beneficial for some. But if there is physical damage or dysfunction in the brain, no amount of class time is going to resolve the problem. When there are issues with the PFC or temporal lobes, the underlying biological problem needs to be addressed. For example, if the cause is due to toxic exposure, one of the first steps to improving brain health is to avoid exposure to the toxin, whether it’s drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, mold, chemicals, pesticides, or some other type of toxin. It’s also critical to support the body’s 4 organs of detoxification—skin, kidneys, liver, and gut. If injury to the brain is from a chronic infection, such as Lyme disease, it’s important to treat the infection while also engaging in a brain healthy program. Any co-occurring disorders—such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or addiction—also need to be treated to aid in the healing process.