Intermittent Anger Disorder : How Common Is It?
More common than you think. You see forms of Intermittent Anger Disorder in movies. A teenager is arguing with his parents. He throws a television set out the window. Or you see a male adolescent behind the wheel.Someone cuts him off. He steps on the gas. Road Rage. Hieronymous Bosch--Anger Intermittent Anger Disorder refers to explosive outbursts of uncontrollable rage experienced by 7.3% of the population inthe United States. This means that more than 11.5 million Americans have experienced uncontrollable outbursts several times during the course of their lifetimes. This Anger Disorder is an all-or-nothing form of anger,also called Intermittent Explosive Disorder (or IED). Some people with this disorder can go through life in a fairly normal fashion until a situation triggers an irrational bout of rage. Most, however, seem to be hounded by depression, anxiety and drug abuse.
According to statistics, 80% of individuals diagnosed with IED are adolescent and adult males. The disorder usually appears during late childhood. The average age of onset is 14.
Diagnosis of Intermittent Anger Disorder According to Health A to Z, diagnosis of IED involves a specific process. To be diagnosed, a patient must meet the following conditions: - the degree of violence during these episodes must exceed the trigger of the outburst. - the violent outbursts cannot be explained by substance abuse, medication side effects, epilepsy, head injuries or another form of mental disorder. -the outbursts must be so severe that several separate episodes of failure to restrain the perpetrator have led to personal injury or property damage. Characteristics of People with IED -They often describe a "rush" of energy prior to their violent episodes. Others report varying symptoms such as tightness in the chest, tremors, head pressure, migraines,heart palpitations. -They often have abnormally low levels of serotonin( a natural mood chemical in the body). -They often misinterpret the motives of others, harbor distrust and hostility. - Often in a state of denial, they blame others for provoking the violence. Treatment
Cognitive Behavior Therapy or Behavior and group counseling provide long-terms strategies for anger management. Some forms of video games can also provide neurofeedback benefits to angry and anxious children. Sometimes homeschooling might be the best solution for children who need special medication and behavior counseling. It is so much easier to fit in counseling sessions and visits to the doctor's office when the child is not burdened by an inflexible school schedule. Another benefit is the ability parents have to mold the curriculum to the needs of the child. Learning about the need to manage anger can be embraced as a unit involving Language Study, History, Art, Science, Health. Online Home Schooling makes so much more sense! A computer-based curriculum for grades 3-12 If homeschooling is not feasible, choose your child's school with care. Find one that has services and programs in place for special kids. Because Intermittent Anger Disorder makes its appearance during late childhood, extensive school-based violence prevention programs can be useful for identification and early detection. Early detection and early intervention have proven to be effective for managing anger. There are ways to intervene with your child's anger. You can help him or her identify the areas that need to be redressed--specifically the behavior rather than the feelings. Angry feelings are normal. Your child can learn that feelings are justified, but behavior might not be and how to tell the difference between what is acceptable and what is not. Just learning this distinction is a step in the right direction.It may prevent future episodes of anger disorder. Angry Child? Fix the Behavior, Not the Feelings More information on this program is provided here.
Disclaimer: The above information is meant only to inform and should never displace professional consultation.
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