01 July 2024

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Awareness, Research and Resources

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)

Whether a kid is sulking, pouting, whining, withdrawing, refusing to talk, crying, spitting, screaming, swearing, running out of the classroom, kicking, hitting, destroying property, or worse, you won’t know what to do about the challenging behavior until you understand why it’s occurring (lagging skills) and pinpoint the specific situations in which it occurs (unsolved problems). Lagging skills are the why of challenging behavior. Unsolved problems tell us when the behavior is occurring.” ― Ross W. Greene

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) in Adults

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) Research

"Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a behavioral disorder characterized by sudden, intense outbursts of anger and violence that are disproportionate to the triggering situation1. Here are some key points about IED:
  1. Symptoms:

    • Impulsive attacks and angry outbursts occur suddenly, often lasting less than 30 minutes.
    • Verbal or physical aggression, temper tantrums, shouting, and property damage are common during these episodes.
    • After an outburst, individuals may feel relief, guilt, or embarrassment.
    • Chronic irritability, impulsivity, and anger are also present between episodes.
  2. Causes:

    • The exact cause of IED is not known, but it may result from a combination of factors:
      • Living environment: Growing up in families with a history of explosive behavior and abuse.
      • Genetics: Some genetic predisposition.
      • Brain differences: Variations in brain structure and function.
  3. Treatment:

    • Talk therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify triggers and teaches anger management.
    • Medication: Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) or anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, lithium) may be used.
    • Severity of outbursts may decrease with age.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, consider discussing treatment options with a doctor or mental health professional 2. Remember, seeking help is essential for managing IED effectively." (Source: Microsoft Copilot 2024)

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

"Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a behavioral disorder characterized by repeated episodes of impulsive, aggressive, or violent behavior that is disproportionate to the provocation or stressors triggering the outbursts. These episodes can involve verbal aggression, physical assaults, or destruction of property. IED often leads to significant distress for the individual and can impair their relationships, work, and social functioning.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help manage and reduce the frequency and intensity of the explosive episodes." (Source: ChatCPT 2024)

Anger Management and Intermittent Explosive Disorder American Institute of Health Care Professionals

Anger Taking Over? It Could Be Intermittent Explosive Disorder Psych Central

Assessment and Treatment of Intermittent Explosive Disorder American Psychological Association

Childhood Trauma and Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Understanding the Connection and Causes of IED Verywell Mind

Childhood and Parental Characteristics of Adults with DSM-5 Intermittent Explosive Disorder Compared with Healthy and Psychiatric Controls NIH


Emotion Attribution in Intermittent Explosive Disorder ScienceDirect

Diagnosing Intermittent Explosive Disorder Healthline

Intermittent Explosive Disorder Diagnosis Mayo Clinic

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Overview ScienceDirect

Intermittent Explosive Disorder Subtypes in the General Population: Association with Comorbidity, Impairment and Suicidality NIH

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Symptom Test for Adults ADDitude

Intermittent Explosive Disorder Affects up to 16 Million Americans NIH

Intermittent Explosive Disorder in Adults: Treatment and Prognosis UpToDate

Intermittent Explosive Disorder in South Africa: prevalence, Correlates and the Role of Traumatic Exposures NIH

Intermittent Explosive Disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement Jama Psychiatry

Playing Chess and Anger Mental Health and Motivation

Quick Guide to Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) Child Mind Institute

Signs & Causes of Intermittent Explosive Disorder Resource Treatment Center

Signs & Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder Valley Behavioral Health System

Signs, Symptoms, and Effects of Teen Intermittent Explosive Disorder Greenleaf Behavioral Health Hospital

Subtypes of Aggression in Intermittent Explosive Disorder NIH

Symptoms and Causes of Intermittent Explosive Disorder Verywell Health

Understanding Explosive Anger Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment CarePlus New Jersey

What Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder? WebMD

Why Explosive Anger Isn't Just a 'Bad Attitude,' But a Symptom WebMD


Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment