Intermittent Explosive Disorder

November 4, 2020Females2

Intermittent Explosive Disorder involves repeated , sudden episodes of impulsive , aggressive , violent behaviour or angry verbal outbursts in which you react totally out of proportion to the situation. Road rage , domestic abuse , throwing or breaking objects or other temper tantrums may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder.

These intermittent explosive outbursts cause you significant distress , negatively impact your relationships ,work and school and also they can have legal and financial consequences. It is a chronic disorder that can continue for years although the severity of outbursts may decrease with age.

Symptoms –

Explosive eruptions occur suddenly with little or no warning , usually last less than 30 minutes. These episodes may occur frequently or be separated by weeks or months of non aggression. Less severe verbal outbursts may occur in between episodes of physical aggression. You may be irritable , impulsive , aggressive or chronically angry most of the time.

Aggressive episodes may be accompanied by :-

Rage , irritability , increased energy , racing thoughts , tingling , Tremors , palpitations ,chest tightness.

The explosive verbal and behavioural outbursts are out of proportion to the situation ,with no fear of consequences and can include-

Temper tantrums ,heated arguments , shouting , slapping or pushing , physical fights , property damage , threatening or assaulting people or animals. You may feel a sense of relief and tiredness after the episode ,later you may feel remorse , regret or embarrassment.

Cause –

This disorder can begin in childhood – after the age of 6 years or during the teen age years. It’s more common in younger adults then in older adults. The exact cause of disorder is unknown but it’s probably caused by a number of environment and biological factors.

1) Environment –

Most people with this disorder grew up in families where explosive behaviour and verbal and physical abuse were common. Being exposed to this type of environment at early age children exhibits same traits in adult age.

2) Genetics –

There may be genetic reasons for such type of behaviour to be develop.

3) Differences in how the brain works –

Every person is different so as the difference in structure , function and chemistry of disorderd and normal person.

Risk factors –

1) History of physical abuse.

2) History of mental health disordes like anti-social personality disorder , borderline personality disorder or disorders like Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Complications –

1) Impaired interpersonal relationships –

They may have frequent verbal fights or there can be physical abuse. These actions can lead to relationship problems , divorce and family stress.

2) Trouble at work ,home or school –

Jobless , school suspension ,car accidents, financial problems or trouble with the law can happen because of this disorder.

3) Problems with mood –

Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety often appear in this disorder.

4) Problems with alcohol and other substance use –

Alcohol and other substances use provoke the disorer to next level.

5) Physical health problems –

Medical conditions like high blood pressure , Diabetes ,heart diseases ,stroke ,ulcers , chronic pain also aggravate explosive behaviour.

6) Self Harm –

Intentional injuries or suicide attempts sometimes occur due to this disorder.

Prevention –

Following suggestions may help you prevent some incidents from getting out of control in intermittent Explosive Disorder :-

1) Stick with your treatment –

Attend your therapy sessions , practice your coping skills and if your doctor has prescribed medication be sure to take it.

2) Practice relaxation techniques –

Regular use of deep breathing , practice pranayam and yoga may help you stay calm.

3) Develop new ways of thinking –

Changing the way you think about frustrating situation by using rational thoughts , reasonable expectation and logic may improve how you view and react to an event.

4) learn to improve your communication –

Learn to the other person what he is trying to say and think about your best response rather than to react immediately before thinking.

5) Change your environment –

When possible leave or avoid situation that upset you. Also scheduling personal time may enable you to better handle an upcoming stressful or frustrating situation. You can go for holidays for a refreshing change.

6) Avoid mood altering substances –

Don’t use alcohol or illegal drugs .

7) Write a diary –

Try to write about your day spent ,so that your day good or bad experience can come out from your self.

8) Eat healthy –

Try to eat non aggravating foods like of fruits , vegetables, whole grains ,lots of water ,less down spices , avoid fried foods ,so that Pitta dosha in your body don’t get aggravated.

9) Ayurvedic therapies –

Pitta relieving therapies in Ayurveda like Abhyanga , Virechana ,Sarvangdhara , Shirodhara, Shirovasti etc .also give good results in such type of behaviour.

Always remember you are the best friend of yourself so give your precious time to yourself also. Think for mental peace and stability. Don’t mess with yourself. Feel free to do anything which consoles your inner peace ,then only you can calm down your inner aggression and you become successful in not to convert yourself an explosive personality.

For more informative articles on health issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult.