Anger Issues

Anger Issues

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We all deal with anger, but when someone reacts in the extreme or with violence, it could be that person is dealing with anger issues. Those of us who have consistent trouble keeping their anger in check may even have what is referred to as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED).

Anger is a basic human emotion, and it is healthy to experience and express anger. However, there is also a line that should rarely, if ever, be crossed. And consistent expression of anger that includes rage, verbal tirades, or any type of physical expression (including bodily harm to anyone or anything else, including animals) is a sign that something needs to be addressed.

Often, those who experience anger issues or IED are dealing with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Substance abuse can also foster or emphasize a person’s expression of anger. And there are other factors that could trigger anger issues, such as brain trauma.

Most often, you will see anger issues in men, most commonly in men aged 20-30. However, it can also present in young people, most often revealing itself just prior to or during adolescence.

The good news is that consistent and targeted treatment, including traditional psychiatry, can do much to mitigate anger issues and IED.

How psychiatry works to treat anger issues

Do not confuse traditional psychiatry with anger management classes. Despite the fact that anger management can be very beneficial to some sufferers of anger issues or IED, it may not fully address the issue for many sufferers. The truth is that not all anger management classes are based on the latest scientific evidence. That is why a trained and board-certified mental health professional is key in helping diagnose and treat anger and IED concerns.

The good news is that reams of respected research studies suggest that, overall, approximately 75 percent of people that receive anger management therapy improved as a result. And many psychiatric approaches to anger issues center around cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT helps patients to identify unhelpful or negative thought patterns and change inaccurate beliefs. For instance, a CBT approach known as stress inoculation exposes a patient to imaginary incidents designed to provoke anger. This allows the patient to monitor their anger in a safe environment and practice coping methods for real-life situations.

Other approaches, including family therapy targets conflict resolution and improved communication, while psychodynamic therapy utilizes self-reflection to focus on the psychological roots of emotional distress.