Do You Lack Impulse Control When Angry?

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is a psychological condition that falls under the Impulse Control Disorder category. People who suffer from IED fail to resist aggressive impulses which in turn results in serious property destruction and even assault. Once a person has an episode, he usually threatens other people or hurt them purposely. Intermittent Explosive Disorder is actually associated to anger issues as well. Those who suffer from a lack of the ability to manage their anger  usually have accompanied IED. In fact, some experts term IED as anger attacks.

French psychiatrist Esquirol defined IED as partial insanity which is related to impulsivity. People who suffer from IED have temper problems. The very basic symptom is an urge to commit an aggressive act because of tension build up. For example, if you are a person suffering from IED and you are dining in a restaurant and overhear someone make an unpleasing remark which you are not sure who it is directed to, you will act aggressively without asking any questions. Once the episode is over, you will realize that what you did and it will be accompanied by the feeling of shame. 

The cause of IED is not yet clear just like other psychological disorders. However, recent findings show that IED may be a result of abnormalities in the area of the brain that is responsible for arousal and inhibition of behavior. In particular, a system called the serotoninergic system, is directly related to the disorder. This system regulates the production of a hormone called serotonin which then regulates behavior. Both movement and information processing is damaged when it comes to people with IED. This is why they don't think before they act. They realize their mistake after the impulsive act.

IED is a rarely diagnosed disorder, however, anger attacks are very common nowadays especially in teenagers to the early adult stage. These anger attacks are directly correlated to Intermittent Explosive Disorders. A recent study concluded that one out of twelve teenagers meet the criteria for IED. This is something that needs the awareness of parents and school administrators alike. Anger management techniques needs to be studied by everyone to ensure that the problem does not become worse. 

A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry concluded that though Intermittent Explosive Disorder is common among teenagers, the problem is still not being addressed appropriately. The reason behind this is because people who actually have IED do not deem it as a problem. Thus, they do not seek treatment. The people around them react the same way as well by not trying to treat the problem as an actual problem. 

Anger treatment is imperative to ensure that IED is eliminated. This is a serious behavioral issue.  A person who suffers from IED could get in real criminal trouble because of people they hurt or assault.  Taking online anger management classes is a good place to begin to address any anger control behavior that presents like this.  The course content will guide you through steps to find the root of your anger, help you deal with stress, positive ways to respond to your anger and how to better regulate your emotions.  This is a private, easily accessible and low-cost way to change your life by learning to change your behavior.