subject: Am I Just Angry: Or Do I Have Intermittent Explosive Disorder? [print this page] Am I Just Angry: Or Do I Have Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
People who manifest IED are normal most of the time, but they also have scary episodes when they erupt with sudden and unpredictable displays of rage. When this occurs, they behave in ways that normally would mortify them.
For example, they might break anything that is immediately available or even set things on fire. They also may harm someone or even try to harm themselves.
Some of us react to frustrations normally, while others react to the very same things violently. This would suggest that there is a behavioral dysfunction in those who react so disproportionately to the original trigger.
This is called Intermittent Explosive Disorder and it may even afflict a person without he or she even being aware of it. It can be hard to understand because when there is no provocation, these patients appear normal and even charming.
However, when a stimulus presents itself, the extreme and abnormal display of rage can be terrifying. In fact, people who suffer from IED seem to manifest such an altered state that, under ordinary circumstances, they appear unaware of the pathological intensity of their behavior or the serious risks it entails.
What causes Intermittent Explosive Disorder? Research seems to suggest that children reared in family settings in which the parents frequently and bitterly argue are likely to express their anger violently and inappropriately, as adults.
Also, poverty-stricken families tend to have a disproportionate share of kids that grow-up to have IED. This could be the result of a family under such stress and experiencing such frustration that dysfunctional displays of anger are more likely to take place.
Also, poverty-stricken kids are more likely to compare themselves unfavorably with others, leading to more dissatisfaction and frustration. Even though none of these factors guarantees the spawning of IED, they make its manifestation more likely.
Other influences on the possible spawning of IED include a possible genetic propensity. Also, watching violent movies and playing violent video games could be additional causal factors for the spawning of IED.
How can you detect the existence of Intermittent Explosive Disorder? Think about your most recent angry episode and answer the following questions.
If the answers to many of them are 'yes', then it is more likely that you have IED:
1. Did you feel almost as though an entity within you was compelling you to react with hostility or the causing of harm? Some people report the propensity within themselves to fight is extremely compelling.
