Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Intermittent explosive disorder [IED] is a type of psychological disorder characterised by outburst of anger, aggression that is out of control, impulsive behaviour, and disproportionate reaction to provocation.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of IED include environment, genetic and chemical. If the childhood environment of person was full of physical and verbal abuse, anger outburst in family members, repeated exposure to such type of domestic violence can cause IED in later life. It can be hereditary. A neurotransmitter serotonin is found to be responsible for development of IED. A person with history of substance abuse, physical abuse in childhood, person in his teens and being male are at high risk of developing IED. IED can be associated with other psychological disorders like mood disorder, anxiety disorder, personality disorder, or medical history like Parkinson’s disease or traumatic brain injury.

Clinical presentation

The attack lasts for usually 30 minutes involving outburst of anger by hurting others verbally, Irritability, impulsiveness, rage, tremors, and palpitations. Patient can cause injuries to self and others, destroying property. A genuine feeling of regret is felt after the spell of aggression. The person feels embarrassed and upset about the behaviour.

Investigation

Medical history by the patient and psychological evaluation by the psychiatrist or psychotherapist helps in diagnosis. 3 episodes of above mentioned impulsive behaviour or aggression qualifies the patient to be labelled for IED differentiating from other psychiatric disorders. Association of other psychological disorder can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Psychotherapy is required for treating IED. It involves cognitive behavioural therapy, which teaches anger management techniques, relaxation techniques to combat IED. Medications like anti depressants, anti anxiety drugs, anti convulsants, mood stabilizers help in treatment of the disease.

Other Modes of treatment

The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating IED. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating IED.

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