People with intermittent explosive disorder tend to experience chronic hostility and impulsivity that leads them to “explode” into rages without any justifiable provocation. The prevalence rate of intermittent explosive disorder among Americans is said to be 3%.
These intermittent, explosive outbursts cause the person significant distress, negatively impact relationships, work, and school, and they can have legal and financial consequences.
Explosive eruptions occur suddenly, with little or no warning, and usually last less than 30 minutes. These episodes may occur frequently or be separated by weeks or months of nonaggression. Less severe verbal outbursts may occur in between episodes of physical aggression.
People with intermittent explosive disorder have a low tolerance for frustration and adversity. Outside of the anger outbursts, they have normal, appropriate behavior.
Children and adolescents are believed to be most affected by intermittent explosive disorder, though symptoms of this disorder can carry over into adulthood if they are allowed to persist.
Signs and symptoms of an intermittent explosive disorder episode include: yelling, intense arguments, road range, physical violence, damaging property
Intermittent explosive disorder is one of several impulse control disorders. Approximately 80% of people with intermittent explosive disorder have another mental health condition, with anxiety disorders, externalizing disorder, intellectual disabilities, autism and bipolar disorder being the most common.
Treatment for intermittent explosive disorder includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Intermittent explosive disorder
