What is intermittent explosive disorder?
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an impulse
control disorder. People who have this disorder have
sudden, unpredictable reactions that are violent and
aggressive. Their reaction is out of proportion to what
happened. They may regret the outburst afterwards. They
are not violent or aggressive most of the time.
How does it occur?
As with other impulse control disorders, the cause of IED
is not known. The neurotransmitter serotonin (a brain
chemical) may play a role in this disorder. Things that
increase the risk for the disorder include having parents
who:
- abused and neglected the child
- abused drugs or alcohol
- were impulsive, destructive, reckless, or violent
- were not consistent in their discipline.
Violent, destructive behaviors often start in childhood.
IED occurs more often in men. Women may have it as part
of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
What are the symptoms?
IED may be linked to violent behavior such as physical
assault, murder, or violent suicide. People who have
intermittent explosive disorder:
- are repeatedly and suddenly violent
- cannot stop or control impulsive, aggressive actions
- destroy property
- react way out of proportion to things that happen.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or a mental health specialist
will ask about your symptoms and any drug or alcohol use.
You may have lab tests to rule out medical problems such
as chemical imbalances. To be diagnosed with IED, the
person must have the symptoms listed above and be unable
to control an impulse that might be harmful to self or
others.
The provider or mental health therapist will also make
sure that behaviors are not caused by another mental
disorder such as bipolar disorder, depression, or
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or by substance
abuse or a medical condition such as a head injury or
Alzheimer's disease.
How is it treated?
Treatment for IED usually involves both psychotherapy and
medicine.
Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is a way to help you
identify and change views you have of yourself, the world,
and the future that are not realistic. This therapy helps
you recognize unhealthy ways of thinking. You will learn
new thought and behavior patterns that lead to healthier
living.
You may be prescribed medicines such as antidepressants,
mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medicines.
What can I do to help myself?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. To help
control intermittent explosive disorder:
- Exercise at least 20 minutes every day. For example,
take a brisk walk.
- Learn which activities make you feel better and do them
often.
- Talk to your family and friends.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
- Avoid using drugs.
- Learn relaxation techniques or yoga.
When should I seek help?
If you have symptoms of violent behavior, seek help from
your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
Don't wait to get help until you are arrested by the
police and the court orders treatment. If you or someone
you care about has intermittent explosive disorder, get
help from a mental health professional early.
For more information, contact:
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
800-950-NAMI
Web site: http://www.nami.org
The National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
800-969-NMHA
Web site: http://www.NMHA.org
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2007 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.