The outburst of anger most likely happens every now and then to every human being. But for some people, this type of emotion occurs relatively often, and in addition, it is sometimes difficult to find the cause of an anger outburst - it is possible that they suffer from periodic explosive disorder (IED). So far, scientists have not been able to clearly determine what is responsible for the occurrence of this problem, but there are some assumptions as to the mechanism of IED formation.
Periodic Explosive Disorder (IED) , from the English name Intermittent Explosive Disorder, belongs to impulse control disorders. The problem does not belong to the group of mental disorders. It is classified as one of the mental disorders.
One factor that can distinguish between occasional and infrequent attacks of anger from attacks of pathological intensity is what causes them to occur. In the case of periodic explosive disorders, patients react inadequately, even to minimally irritating situations, and what's more - the cause of anger can sometimes be difficult to find at all.
Symptoms of periodic explosive disorders (IEDs)
The numerous symptoms of periodic explosive disorders include:
- episodes of aggression (both verbal and physical) towards various people, but also animals or objects (in the case of the latter - property damage may occur),
- the occurrence of various somatic complaints during episodes of aggression, such as stuttering, increased heart rate, increased sweating.
After experiencing an episode of anger, IED patients may experience both a sense of relief and emotional discharge and feel remorse.
In order to be able to talk about periodic explosive disorder at all, a person experiencing excessively frequent episodes of aggression must be older than 6 years. In addition, other potential causes of the aforementioned symptoms must be ruled out (such as the patient's mental illness or the use of some psychoactive substances, e.g. drugs).
Causes of periodic explosive disturbances (IED)
The pathogenesis of periodic explosive disorders has not been established so farclear end. The main factors potentially associated with the occurrence of IEDs are divided into three groups. In this case, psychological conditions, genetic factors and aspects related to neurotransmitters operating in the central nervous system are mentioned.
Psychological factors that are considered to be the basis of periodic explosive disorders are:
- childhood trauma (e.g. sexual abuse),
- abnormal patterns of behavior functioning in the family (there is a noticeable tendency for IEDs to appear in those who grew up in families where violence and aggression was common),
- experiencing a feeling of rejection.
Genetic factors are also suspected of influencing the occurrence of periodic explosive disorders. This type of hypothesis was put forward, among others based on the fact that an increased risk of IED is observed in those with a close family member already suffering from this disorder.
In the case of periodic explosive disorders, disturbances in the levels of neurotransmitters within the structures of the central nervous system are also observed in patients. According to existing research, the cause of periodic explosive disorders may lie in the deficiency of serotonin - too little of this neurotransmitter may not only result in the development of depression, but also increase the risk of aggressive behavior.
There are also assumptions about the role of hormonal disorders in the occurrence of this problem. In this case, considerations focus on excessive testosterone concentrations - if only because the disorder is more common among men than among women.
Despite the fact that the causes of periodic explosive disorders are not entirely clear, patients with a problem and their families can be advised to seek help from mental he alth professionals. The use of psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy in the case of IED may mean that the uncontrolled attacks of anger will stop appearing, thanks to which the patient's social and professional functioning may be improved.