Intermittent explosive disorder

[Magical Realist]

Yes folks. Being a belligerent abusive asshole is actually a psychiatric disorder now!

"Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation. Road rage, domestic abuse, throwing or breaking objects, or other temper tantrums may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder.

These intermittent, explosive outbursts cause you significant distress, negatively impact your relationships, work and school, and they can have legal and financial consequences.

Intermittent explosive disorder is a chronic disorder that can continue for years, although the severity of outbursts may decrease with age. Treatment involves medications and psychotherapy to help you control your aggressive impulses.

Explosive eruptions occur suddenly, with little or no warning, and usually last less than 30 minutes. These episodes may occur frequently or be separated by weeks or months of nonaggression. Less severe verbal outbursts may occur in between episodes of physical aggression. You may be irritable, impulsive, aggressive or chronically angry most of the time.

Aggressive episodes may be preceded or accompanied by:

Rage
Irritability
Increased energy
Racing thoughts
Tingling
Tremors
Palpitations
Chest tightness

The explosive verbal and behavioral outbursts are out of proportion to the situation, with no thought to consequences, and can include:

Temper tantrums
Tirades
Heated arguments
Shouting
Slapping, shoving or pushing
Physical fights
Property damage
Threatening or assaulting people or animals

You may feel a sense of relief and tiredness after the episode. Later, you may feel remorse, regret or embarrassment.

When to see a doctor

If you recognize your own behavior in the description of intermittent explosive disorder, talk with your doctor about treatment options or ask for a referral to a mental health provider."---------http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-condi...n-20024309

[stryder]

I would of thought that would have already been covered by Bipolar Disorder.

[scheherazade]

From the same source, the purported causes of Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

Causes
By Mayo Clinic Staff

The exact cause of intermittent explosive disorder is unknown, but it's probably caused by a number of environmental and biological factors. The disorder typically begins in childhood — after the age of 6 years — or during adolescence and is more common in people under the age of 40.

• Environment. Most people with this disorder grew up in families where explosive behavior and verbal and physical abuse were common. Being exposed to this type of violence at an early age makes it more likely these children will exhibit these same traits as they mature.
  
• Genetics. There may be a genetic component, causing the disorder to be passed down from parents to children.
  
• Brain chemistry. There may be differences in the way serotonin, an important chemical messenger in the brain, works in people with intermittent explosive disorder.
  

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-condi...n-20024309

While I can certainly comprehend that environment and genetics may be contributing factors, I would really be interested in examining the diet of persons who are diagnosed with this disorder. Many foods have been demonstrated to have dramatic influence on our blood sugars and hormones which regulate our mood and bodily functions including our sleep patterns. Once our circadian rhythms are out of sync, any and all of the symptoms listed begin to present.

High-glycemic foods cause the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and endorphins—natural opiates that make us ‘feel good’.
These neurotransmitters are also released with the use of nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and heroin. Science shows that continued overconsumption of sweeteners and highly processed foods can eventually change our brain chemistry and perpetuate cravings, which can lead to overeating.
When we are addicted to anything, our bodies and brains can become programmed to use that substance to temporarily eliminate anxiety, irritability, depression, excitability and other uncomfortable feelings. The longer we use the substance, the more likely it is that we will need an increased amount to create the same desired mood-altering effect. This development is commonly known as ‘tolerance’.

http://foodaddictionresearch.org/questio...the-brain/

I have been doing my own bit of field research for eleven years on graveyard shift and living north of sixty, I also get to see many who suffer from seasonally affected disorder which likewise shows many of the same symptoms, depression alternated with irrational aggression.

[elte]

Fortunately, I have developed a more benign venting habit of cursing annoying objects or occurrences, instead of people, usually in private.

[scheherazade]

Fortunately, I have developed a more benign venting habit of cursing annoying objects or occurrences, instead of people, usually in private.

Only a few times have I ever been consumed with rage to the point of feeling explosive yet even then strong conditioning kept me from acting inappropriately. There have been a couple of occasions when I have shed tears at the workplace, out of extreme frustration and no ability to see a solution. Apparently it is quite unnerving to watch tears run down my face without any accompanying sobbing or other hysterics. I contemplate that this is a pressure relief mechanism to aid in countering the explosive types of behavior mentioned in the opening post.

Working graveyard shift, in the absence of customers, it is not untoward for someone to bleat a brief deleted expletive when an operational difficulty presents. Quite normal behavior under the circumstances and not directed at any person save perhaps collective corporate entities.