When Angry Outbursts And Aggressive Impulses May Be Linked To Anger Disorders

Anger can be an intense emotional experience, but it can be expected and even rational during certain life situations. Sometimes, though, people may begin to display patterns of anger that are disproportionate to their circumstances. Excessive anger and explosive outbursts can have negative effects on interpersonal relationships and other parts of life. When anger reaches this point, it could be a sign of an anger disorder. A licensed therapist can offer insight and guidance if you struggle to manage anger.

Signs your anger could be related to a mental health condition

While experiencing anger may not be pleasant, anger can be a natural part of life that is not necessarily associated with any mental health concerns. 

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, though, it may be helpful to talk to a licensed mental health professional about whether you could have an anger disorder:

• An inability to manage your anger and the sense that your anger is controlling you, as opposed to the other way around
• Anger that results in verbal and physical abuse to people or animals around you
• Anger that is frequently disproportionate to the situation
• Constantly feeling irritable or “on edge”
• Finding it difficult to calm down after an angry outburst
• Anger that negatively impacts your ability to work or function in society

Intermittent explosive disorder and other mental disorders involving anger

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) lists multiple mental health conditions involving angry outbursts and physical aggression as symptoms. 

Intermittent explosive disorder

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is perhaps the best known of the anger disorders. People with IED typically experience intermittent episodes of intense anger that often result in impulsive and aggressive behavior. In many cases, these individuals regret their angry actions afterward. People with IED may experience intense shame about the hurt they cause during their angry outbursts, which they may perceive as being out of their control. 

Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is normally diagnosed in children and can be characterized by a pattern of argumentative and defiant behavior, along with persistent anger and irritability. Many children have difficulty following directions and occasionally experience conflict with their caregivers. However, ODD tends to be an ongoing behavioral concern that can negatively impact a child’s social relationships and their ability to function, particularly in school settings. 

It can be important not to confuse behavior associated with ODD with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In general, a child with ODD is intentionally choosing to be defiant and not follow directions, while a child with ADHD may be more likely to have difficulty understanding the directions. Still, it should be noted that the two conditions can co-occur in some cases.

Other mental disorders involving symptoms of anger

Excessive or disproportionate anger can also be associated with other mental disorders. Mood disorders like depression, as well as anxiety disorders, can be associated with higher levels of irritability and an increased likelihood of “snapping.” This tendency may be even more likely with severe mood disorders like bipolar disorder. 

The hypervigilance and flashbacks associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can heighten many emotions, including anger. Angry outbursts can also be linked to various personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.

What causes anger disorders?

Like many mood disorders, it is unlikely that one singular cause leads to a person developing intermittent explosive disorder or another anger condition. However, there are some influences that may increase the likelihood of a person having an anger disorder. 

Genetic factors

A family history of IED tends to be one of the primary risk factors for developing the condition, indicating that the aggressive impulses associated with anger disorders may be partially influenced by genetics. 

Studies have shown that people with IED may have a more active inflammatory response in the brain than people without the condition. This could mean that genetic factors affecting the development of brain structures could increase the likelihood of experiencing intermittent explosive disorder.

Environmental influences

Although the association between family history and anger disorders could indicate a genetic connection, it may also be indicative of an environmental factor. For instance, if a child is raised in a home where anger is frequently modeled, that child may eventually develop an anger disorder. 

Other environmental factors could involve a history of trauma or abuse, which can disrupt emotional regulation systems and predispose someone to unhealthy levels of anger. 

Risk factors for developing anger disorders

As mentioned above, genetics, anger in the childhood home, and exposure to trauma and abuse can all be risk factors for developing anger disorders. Other risk factors may include the following:

• Gender, with men at higher risk than women
• Substance use, particularly alcohol use
• The presence of additional mental health conditions
• Personality traits like impulsivity
• Age, with younger people at higher ris

Treatment options for anger disorders

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be one of the most effective treatments for anger disorders. CBT generally focuses on the interaction between a person’s thoughts and behaviors, based on the premise that changing problematic thought patterns can reduce unwanted behaviors. In the case of anger disorders, a cognitive behavioral therapist would likely work with their client to identify triggering thoughts that set off angry episodes.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a variation of CBT that typically focuses on emotion regulation and learning to tolerate distressing feelings. DBT may be particularly effective for anger disorders because of its emphasis on interpersonal relationships, which can be severely damaged by angry outbursts. 

Mental health support for anger disorders

If you believe you may be experiencing an anger disorder, know that you are not alone. Mental health professionals are often trained in addressing problematic anger and can provide support for working through your symptoms, whether using CBT, DBT, or another therapeutic method. 

Could your anger be a symptom of a mental health disorder?

Talk about it with an online therapist

Online therapy with a mental health counselor to address anger concerns

People with anger disorders who have damaged their interpersonal relationships may be wary of building a new connection with a therapist. In these situations, online therapy may remove some pressure and offer a sense of safety and comfort. With online therapy, you can connect with a therapist via video, audio, or online chat.

Research has found that online therapy may be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy at addressing mental health concerns, including those related to anger. One study found that online therapeutic interventions could effectively reduce maladaptive anger symptoms. 

Takeaway

While anger can be a normal part of the human experience, if your anger has become excessive and is negatively impacting your relationships, it could be a sign of an anger disorder. Talking to a therapist in your local area or online could help you determine whether you have an anger condition and learn ways to work through challenging emotions.