Bipolar Central |
![]() |
![]() |
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is one of a cluster of five impulse control disorders. IED is characterized by episodes of violent or aggressive behavior that includes harm to others or destruction of property. These episodes typically result from minor incidents and the patient’s reaction is out of proportion to significance of the triggering event. The episodes begin with little provocation but they can last for hours, and usually end abruptly. The patient may break or destroy objects or property, become combative and hurt others, and often feels confused or suffers amnesia about the event. Following the event, patients will often exhibit guilt and accept responsibility for their actions. Between episodes, there is no evidence of violence or increased physicality. Intermittent Explosive Disorder is somewhat controversial among psychiatrists. Some doctors believe that this disorder is not a specific disorder, but rather is symptomatic of other mental disorders. There is no specific cause of impulse control disorders, and the prevalence of this disorder has not been well studied. It typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. Most patients are men with a history of frequent traffic accidents, fighting and possibly sexually impulsive behavior. These patients often exhibit sensitivity to alcohol. While women are twice as likely to have panic attacks, men are twice as likely to suffer from IED, and male IED patients often have a maternal history of depression in their family. What are the symptoms?It is important to differentiate these symptoms from any other medical or mental disorder.
How is it diagnosed and treated?Some psychiatrists do not consider Intermittent Explosive Disorder to be a separate clinical category but rather a symptom of other psychiatric or mental disorders. Doctors will perform a complete physical and mental evaluation to rule out other medical conditions or mental disorders. Aggressive episodes may be attributable to other mental disorders like Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, or any one of several other mental illnesses. These episodes may also be caused by drug abuse, or medication or a medical condition from head trauma, Alzheimer's or other illness. Diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist or psychologist after thorough interview and a complete battery of psychological testing. To diagnose IED, doctors will look for the following signs:
Treatment(s) can include:
|
|
This Week's Bipolar NewsProtein Kinase C Inhibitors in the Treatment of Bipolar Mania New Tool Offers Rapid, Accurate Screening for Bipolar I Disorder Understanding bipolar Click here for all Bipolar News. |
Featured Article:The Warning Signs Of An Impending Bipolar Disorder Manic EpisodeBipolar disorder - as the name implies - involves two distinct set of symptoms. One set throws the individual down into the depths of a massive depression. The other places the individual who suffers with bipolar disorder at the top of a peak manic episode. Most everyone can eventually recognize the warning signs of an impending depressive episode related to bipolar disorder. More likely than not, individuals with bipolar disorder try very hard to avoid it. However, for many individuals with bipolar disorder, it's more difficult to recognize the signs of an impending manic episode. After all, a manic episode of bipolar disorder can be mistaken in some cases - especially in the very early formation -- for the lifting of the corresponding mood swing of the depression. |
|
|
Home | About
Bipolar Disorder |
About David Oliver | Bipolar
Articles/Stories | Bipolar
Success Stories | Blogs
and Podcast | Catalog |
Contact
| Current Bipolar
News David Oliver In the News | Donate | Events | FAQ's | FREE Resources | Health Directory | Other Illnesses | Recommended Sites | Site Map | Speaking | Testimonials |
The information contained
on this web page is not meant to provide medical advice. Specific medical advice should be obtained from a qualified and licensed health-care practitioner. There is no warranty that the information is free from all errors and omissions or that it meets any particular standard. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy Copyright 2004- 2021 , BipolarCentral.com |