These episodes can involve aggressive, impulsive, and violent behaviors or angry verbal outbursts.
Many people are unfamiliar with IED.
This article discusses IED and how the disorder affects those who have it.
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty
Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder
IED is similar to a temper tantrum.
People also seek to avoid the source of their phobia.
Causes of Intermittent Explosive Disorder
The exact cause of IED is unknown.
So can other changes in the brain.
Research has found that people with IED have abnormalities inserotoninlevels in the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s associated with feelings of well-being.
Genetic factors play a role in children who develop traits of aggression.
The study indicated that people with IED had differences in those areas than those who did not.
These differences in genes may affect IED risk.
Who Is Most Affected by IED?
In 80% of cases, there’s another mental health diagnosis.
A person with IED may be more susceptible to other mental health disorders.
IED and Suicide Risk
People diagnosed with IED are at higher risk of suicide.
How Is IED Diagnosed?
To compound the condition, in many cases, a person is also dealing with unresolved trauma from childhood.
People may not even realize they have the disorder until long after it develops.
While it is not the same as bipolar disorder, the two conditions often co-occur.
Relaxation and stress management techniques can help.
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