As promised in my last blog, which was about suicide among military personnel, I will discuss Intermittent Explosive Disorder. This disorder is more common among soldiers who suicide. It is classified as one of the disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Imagine a close friend who has a super short temper, who "blows up" with minor provocation, and whose rages are way out of proportion to whatever triggered his anger. These outbursts are filled with tirades, hitting walls, throwing things at his dog, or shoving you for no good reason. He never really hurts anyone, but these episodes can be frightening. An episode happens a couple of times a week and come without warning or premeditation. These outbursts occur a couple of times a week on average Your friend would be showing symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder (IED).
In some cases people with this disorder will damage property or may assault an animal or person. To qualify for IED these assault episodes must have occurred at least 3 times in a year. Also, as usual, such outbursts qualify as a disorder only if they cause marked distress in the perpetrator or impair functioning in some way. For example, lost friendships, getting fired, or being arrested due to these outbursts must result.
IED is found in about 2.7% of the population and is probably found as often in men and women. Onset is usually during late childhood or early adolescence. It is not seen often after the age of 50. People with a history of emotional or physical trauma during early childhood are at increased risk of developing IED. It may run in families.
People with IED have an increased incidence of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. It has to be distinguished from other causes of angry outbursts such as ADHD, mania, PTSD, and others.
Treatment may include therapy and anticonvulsants, which may dampen these impulsive outbursts.
