Impulsive aggression is an emotional condition associated with sudden, extreme anger.Since someone can become emotionally and physically violent during an explosion, it can be shocking and frightening.The episodes may lead to destructive behaviors for the individuals themselves.Understanding IED and preparing to identify and control the consequences of an explosion is important for all involved.
Step 1: You should recognize when you are in danger.
It is perfectly normal for someone to occasionally become angry, and even raise their voice, but it is not normal when that anger leads to violent or abusive behavior.It is important for you to know that their rage and violence is not in their control.Abrupt, seeming to come out of nowhere is what an explosion is characterized by.The event or situation that triggered it makes it much more extreme in intensity.Both violent and aggressive.screaming, invading personal space, hitting objects, oneself, or other peopleUse of threatening, insulting, or name-calling.It's hard to calm with words.Your loved one's anger issues are not your fault.You have the right to take precautions to avoid being harmed.
Step 2: Allow your loved one to seek help.
It is important that a loved one seek the help of a mental health professional if they are dealing with impulsive aggression.No one should have to deal with a serious medical issue like IED without the help of a doctor, so encourage them to consult an expert.
Step 3: Tell someone that you trust them.
Should you ever need help with a loved one's rage issues, having a neighbor, friend, or family member who understands them can be of great benefit to you.Let the person know that you'll be relying on them, and make sure they understand your plan of action in the event of a violent episode.Don't sugar-coat your description of the episodes in order to save face, be honest with whoever you tell.IED and its effects are complex, and a trustworthy friend will not judge you.Should you need help getting your children to safety, you should coordinate with trusted friends or family.You can contact a domestic violence hot line, a women's shelter, or emergency services if you'reExperiencing Domestic Violence.
Step 4: Prepare for emergencies by taking precautions and making a plan.
Should you need to escape, where will you go?The place you choose should be accessible to you at all times because episodes can happen at any time.If there are children living with you, make sure to discuss the plan with them and practice getting out of your home safely.If you need to escape, it is a good idea to have a bag of essential items with you.Pack any important papers or documents you wish to have with you, as well as extra clothes, house and car keys, money, and any medications you may need.
Step 5: Don't watch episodes that are very explosive.
An angry person will be unable to respond rationally to the situation they are in and will act violently.It is the best course of action to get out of the situation as soon as possible.Before you go for safety, you should have a plan.When they are calm, you will have time to explain yourself to your loved one.You won't be tempted to argue with, or retaliate against, your loved one if you remove yourself.Retaliation can be a natural response, but can lead to an increase in danger for everyone involved.
Step 6: For assistance, contact emergency services.
Contact the police if you are in immediate danger or are unable to escape a violent episode.The doctors and nurses at the emergency room will treat your injuries, and help you find resources to keep you out of harms way.If you need a place to go if you're afraid of being harmed by your loved one, contact a domestic violence hotline or a local women's shelter.You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline if you are in the U.S.You can get in touch with local resources, such as counselors, shelters and support groups.
Step 7: Talk to a mental health professional if you have anger issues.
It feels impossible to think or behave rationally when there are so many episodes of impulsive aggression.They put you and those closest to you in danger of harm.You will benefit from the help of a professional as you deal with this difficult problem.Your therapist will help you understand the root causes of your anger and teach you how to control it.Talk to your doctor about getting a referral if you don't know how to find a therapist.If you have a medical insurance plan, you can ask for help finding a therapist.Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the psychological symptoms of the disease, such as depression, but no specific medication is prescribed for suffers of intermittent explosive disorder.
Step 8: The signs of anger can be learned.
You may feel a sense of tension when the show starts.Learning to recognize this tension will give you advance warning of an upcoming episode.You can begin taking steps to control rage episodes once you learn to recognize them.Fast, shallow breathing can be symptoms of an explosion.It can bevoluntarily clenched fists or jaw.The heart rate is rapid.It's difficult to control thoughts that are aggressive or violent.There are feelings of being tight in the chest.
Step 9: You can learn to recognize when you are angry.
When rage is unpredictable, it may be associated with specific sources of stress at home, school, or at work.You can begin taking control of your episodes by avoiding triggering situations.An explosion can be triggered by frustration and stress.Think about when you experience rage.Minor arguments with your spouse, parents, or loved ones are examples of triggering events.It's possible that you aren't able to communicate your feelings effectively.At work, at school, or with your family and friends, you feel overwhelmed.A physical or mental illness can cause stress or pain.There is excessive use of alcohol.
Step 10: When you are angry, come up with a plan for what to do.
The experience and expertise of your therapist will help you decide what to do when you feel an episode is imminent.Walk away from the situation causing the rage is the simplest way to deal with it.It's a good idea to go somewhere that you can feel safe.It's helpful for some people to focus on counting slowly to ten or repeating a soothing word.This helps take the mind off of the person who is angry and gives them time to calm down.Your unpredictable episodes can happen at any time.Think about how you will deal with your anger if it happens in public, at work or school, not just what you do at home.
Step 11: Talking to your loved ones about your illness can help keep them safe.
While undergoing an episode, you may display violent behavior towards those closest to you.It is important that you talk to your family and friends about what you are going through.Even though you love them, be honest with them and warn them that your impulsive aggression could lead you to harm them.They will be better prepared for dealing with future episodes.They will lend more effective support to your efforts to control your anger if you understand your condition.
Step 12: Alcohol and recreational drugs should not be used.
It is possible for someone suffering from impulsive aggression to experience an episode of rage because of the unpredictable effects of mind-altering substances.If you can't give up using drugs, then you should seek help from a therapist or medical professional.
Step 13: There are risk factors for IEDs.
People with a history of being physically or emotionally abused are more likely to suffer from IED.The traumas experienced by active-duty military personnel may be linked to IEDs.A number of mental illnesses are linked to IED, including personality disorders, borderline personality disorder, and disorders associated with disruptive behavior.If an individual displays more than one risk factor, it doesn't mean they suffer from IED.The presence of risk factors in addition to the characteristic symptoms of IED should be cause for concern.
Step 14: If you learn to differentiate rage from normal anger, you will be able to deal with it.
It's perfectly healthy to be angry from time to time.Rage is a destructive emotion that can cause us to act in ways we wouldn't normally do.Rage seems to command our behavior and thought, leaving no room for anything else.
Step 15: It's a good idea to recognize episodes of anger.
The episodes seem to come out of the blue.IED sufferers may find themselves in a steady, or even pleasant mood, conducting their daily business when they are angry and violent.In places where loud or highly visible expressions of anger are inappropriate, such as at work or in public places, explosive episodes can sometimes occur, because of their unpredictable nature.
Step 16: The violence of any anger-related behavior should be judged by the judge.
IED sufferers can become violent or even abusive.Seemingly tiny arguments can lead, in the blink of an eye, to extraordinary and uncharacteristic displays of physical and emotional cruelty.These displays are very sudden and can be dangerous for everyone involved.Shouting or screaming, even though the person is not raising their voice, is a common example of violent behaviors linked to IED.Getting in the face of those nearby is a way of invading personal space.Throwing, hitting, or breaking things.Shoving, grabbing, or hitting others.Abused oneself, such as by hitting or punching, beating one's head against a wall, etc.Use of language intended to hurt or insult others is called name-calling.Threatening others.disproportionate, or "way over the top", is the term used to describe the behaviors displayed by an IED patient during an explosion.
Step 17: Determine how long episodes of anger last.
An explosion can last for several hours before it ends.The person is likely to feel exhausted and relieved that the rage has ended.The person may feel intense remorse, shame, and unease as they think about the things they said and did.These feelings can cause the person to become depressed.IED sufferers will often experience shorter episodes, during which they might temporarily "snap" at someone in conversation, becoming suddenly hostile before returning to normal.There are gaps of days, weeks or months in between.
Step 18: A mental health professional can help.
Any mental illness can only be diagnosed by a medical expert.If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from IED, the first thing you should do is to talk to a doctor about the symptoms and risk factors that are bothering you.If you have anger issues, you and your doctor can begin exploring treatment options.