While occasional anger is a normal emotion, individuals with intermittent explosive disorder struggle to control their outbursts. They may find themselves getting mad over little things that do not typically elicit such a strong reaction. This can lead to strained relationships, employment issues, legal problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
If your child is showing signs of struggling with IED, Venture Academy can help. Call 866.762.2211 or connect with us online to access dual diagnosis treatment for your child in Canada.
What Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health condition characterised by episodes of explosive anger, often over seemingly minor or insignificant triggers. It is also known as explosive anger disorder and can have serious consequences for both the individual struggling with it and those around them.
Individuals with IED experience frequent and intense outbursts of anger that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. These episodes can involve physical aggression towards objects or other people, as well as verbal aggression and threats. People with IED may also experience a sense of relief or satisfaction after an outburst, which can perpetuate the behaviour.
The exact cause of IED is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some studies have shown a link between IED and certain brain abnormalities, as well as a history of trauma or abuse.
Treatment for IED often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and anger management techniques. Therapy can help individuals identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms for managing their anger. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilisers may also be prescribed to help control impulsive behaviour.
7 Signs of Intermittent Explosive Disorder in Teens
Here are seven signs of IED in teens:
- Frequent and intense temper tantrums – Teens with IED may have frequent outbursts of anger that go beyond the typical teenage behaviour. These tantrums can be triggered by seemingly small things, but they escalate quickly and may involve physical aggression.
- Difficulty controlling emotions – IED can cause teens to have difficulty controlling their emotions. They may feel overwhelmed by anger and act impulsively without thinking about the consequences of their actions.
- Physical and verbal aggression – Teens with IED may display physical aggression towards others or objects during their outbursts. This can include hitting, kicking, throwing things, or physically lashing out in other ways. In addition to physical aggression, teens with IED may also display verbal aggression during their outbursts. This can include yelling, cursing, and making threats towards others.
- Destruction of property – Another sign of IED in teens is the destruction of property during an outburst. This could involve breaking objects or damaging items in their environment.
- Poor impulse control – ED can also affect a teen’s ability to control their impulses. They may act on their anger without considering the consequences of their actions, leading to destructive behaviour.
- Recurring outbursts – Teens with IED will experience recurring outbursts of anger and aggression that are not consistent with their typical behaviour. These outbursts may occur without warning and can be unpredictable.
- Trouble in school – IED can also interfere with a teen’s academic performance. Their outbursts may lead to disruptions in the classroom, conflicts with teachers and peers, and difficulty focusing on schoolwork.
Teens with IED also frequently have social problems, such as difficulty connecting with peers and a tendency to isolate. Although these are common signs of IED in teens, it’s important to remember that every individual is unique and may display different symptoms or behaviours. If you suspect your teen may have IED, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. Early identification and treatment can greatly improve the quality of life for both the teen and those around them.
Access Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Your Child at Venture Academy
It is important to seek professional help if your child is struggling with IED. Untreated, this condition can have serious consequences, such as legal or relationship problems. With proper treatment, individuals with IED can learn to manage their anger and improve their overall quality of life. Call 866.762.2211 or contact Venture Academy online for more information about how we can help.
