Anger Management
What is intermittent explosive disorder?
Intermittent explosive disorder is a condition in which sudden episodes of aggressive, impulsive, violent behavior, or angry outbursts cause you to react inappropriately in everyday situations.
Examples of complications associated with the disorder include domestic abuse, road rage, temper tantrums, and breaking or throwing objects.
Explosive disorder can negatively affect interpersonal relationships, your job, or school, and lead to financial and legal consequences. Point Psychiatry specialists offer anger management solutions to help you regain control of your life.
What are the symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder?
Common signs and symptoms associated with intermittent explosive disorder include:
- Irritability
- Rage
- Racing thoughts
- Increased energy
- Chest tightness
- Palpitations
- Tremors
- Tingling
- Shouting
- Physical fights
- Temper tantrums
- Heated arguments
Explosive episodes might appear suddenly, with little to no warning. You may feel tired afterward, regret your behavior, or feel embarrassed and remorseful. See the Point Psychiatry team to help you better control impulsive behavior and improve your mood overall.
What are the risk factors for intermittent explosive disorder?
While fits of anger can happen to anybody, certain factors increase your risk of experiencing intermittent explosive disorder. Examples include a family history of explosive behavior, genetics, brain chemistry, a history of physical or emotional abuse, or a history of mental health disorders.
Is anger management right for me?
To determine if you have intermittent explosive disorder and if anger management is the right solution for you, mental health specialists review your medical history and symptoms. They might conduct a physical examination and have you undergone blood tests.
Your provider also completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to better assess your mental health.
What should I expect during anger management treatment?
Personalized anger management treatment sessions vary based on the severity of symptoms and your lifestyle. Your psychiatrist might recommend:
Medications
Taking certain medications can help you better control mood swings. Your provider might combine medicines with counseling to optimize your treatment outcome.
Counseling
Individual or group anger management therapy sessions can help you better cope with anger. The sessions teach cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive restructuring, communication skills, problem-solving, and other coping skills to control intermittent explosive disorder.
The Point Psychiatry team also offers confidential telepsychiatry visits.
Don’t let anger management struggles negatively affect your life when simple treatments are at your fingertips. Call the Point Psychiatry office for an appointment or book online today.