There may also be a genetic component, causing the disorder to be passed down from parents to children. It is probably more common than realized and may be an important cause of violent behavior. Intermittent explosive disorder is more common in men. Explosive eruptions, usually lasting 10 to 20 minutes, often result in injuries and the deliberate destruction of property. Explosive episodes may be associated with affective symptoms such as irritability or rage, increased energy, and racing thoughts during the aggressive impulses and acts, and rapid onset of depressed mood and fatigue after the acts.

Some individuals may also report that their aggressive episodes are often preceded or accompanied by symptoms such as tingling, tremors, palpitations, chest tightness, head pressure, or hearing an echo. Treatment is achieved through both cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotropic medication regimens. Therapy aids in helping the patient recognize the impulses in hopes of achieving a level of awareness and control of the outbursts, along with treating the emotional stress that accompanies these episodes. Multiple drug regimens are frequently indicated for IED patients. Patients often need psychological treatment along with medication treatment, and it is often very helpful to base their psychological treatment on addiction-based models.

Causes of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Common Causes and risk factors of Intermittent Explosive Disorder:

This disorder grew up in families where explosive behavior and verbal and physical abuse were common.

Low levels of brain glucose (sugar) metabolism.

Tendency to misinterpret.

Signs and Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Sign and symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Head pressure

Hearing an echo

Tingling

Tremor

Palpitations

Chest tightness

Treatment of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Common Treatment of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), gabapentin (Neurontin) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).

Anti-anxiety agents in the benzodiazepine family, such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax).

Mood regulators like lithium and propranolol (Inderal).

Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).

Group counseling sessions, focused on rage management, also have proved helpful.

Some people have found relaxation techniques useful in neutralizing anger.