What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?

Mini-Test: Are You Unable to Deal With Anger? (IED)

<< INDEX OF MINI-TESTS

This quick assessment is designed to help you reflect on your emotional responses, particularly in situations that may trigger anger or aggression. It is not a diagnostic tool but rather a guide to help you explore your emotional patterns. Answer all questions honestly, choosing one option for each, and take time to reflect on your responses. If you find yourself consistently identifying with the more intense or aggressive options, you may be experiencing symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). In this case, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support.

1. Anger Triggers
How do you typically react to minor frustrations or inconveniences?
A) I remain calm and handle the situation without getting upset.
B) I feel annoyed but can manage my emotions.
C) I become visibly angry, but I can usually control my actions.
D) I lose control and may yell, throw things, or act aggressively.

Reflection: This question explores your ability to manage frustration. Frequent loss of control (D) may indicate difficulty regulating anger, a key symptom of IED.

2. Physical Aggression
Have you ever physically lashed out during an argument or when angry?
A) Never, I avoid physical aggression at all costs.
B) Rarely, and only in extreme situations.
C) Sometimes, I have acted physically aggressive when very angry.
D) Yes, I have frequently acted physically aggressive when angry.

Reflection: Physical aggression, especially when frequent (D), is a significant indicator of IED. Reflect on whether these actions are out of proportion to the situation.

3. Verbal Outbursts
How often do you have intense verbal outbursts (e.g., yelling, screaming) when angry?
A) Almost never, I rarely raise my voice.
B) Occasionally, but only in extreme situations.
C) Sometimes, I have intense verbal outbursts when provoked.
D) Frequently, I often yell or scream when angry.

Reflection: Frequent verbal outbursts (D) can be a sign of difficulty managing anger, which is common in IED.

4. Regret After Anger
How do you feel after an episode of intense anger or aggression?
A) I rarely feel regret because I stay in control.
B) I sometimes feel regret, especially if I overreacted.
C) I often feel regret and wish I had handled the situation differently.
D) I frequently feel intense regret and guilt after my outbursts.

Reflection: Feelings of regret or guilt after anger episodes (C or D) may indicate that your reactions are disproportionate to the situation, a hallmark of IED.

5. Impulsivity
How often do you act impulsively when angry, without thinking about the consequences?
A) Almost never, I think before I act.
B) Rarely, I usually consider the consequences.
C) Sometimes, I act impulsively when very angry.
D) Frequently, I often act without thinking when angry.

Reflection: Impulsivity during anger (D) is a key symptom of IED. Reflect on whether your actions align with your values and goals.

6. Impact on Relationships
How has your anger affected your relationships with others?
A) My anger has not negatively impacted my relationships.
B) My anger has caused minor conflicts, but nothing serious.
C) My anger has caused significant strain in some relationships.
D) My anger has severely damaged or ended relationships.

Reflection: If your anger has caused significant or severe damage to relationships (C or D), it may be a sign that your emotional responses are disproportionate and could indicate IED.

Scoring and Interpretation

Your answers: No checkboxes selected

Mostly A’s: Low Risk of IED
Your responses suggest that you have good control over your anger and rarely act impulsively or aggressively. You seem to handle frustration and conflict in a healthy way. Continue to practice emotional regulation and self-awareness to maintain this balance.

Mostly B’s: Mild Risk of IED
Your answers indicate that you occasionally struggle with anger but generally manage it well. While your reactions are mostly controlled, it’s important to monitor any patterns of increasing frustration or impulsivity. Consider stress management techniques to prevent escalation.

Mostly C’s: Moderate Risk of IED
Your responses suggest that you may be experiencing moderate difficulty managing anger and impulsivity. You may have episodes of intense anger or aggression that are disproportionate to the situation. Reflect on whether these patterns are tied to specific triggers or if they are more pervasive. Seeking professional guidance can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Mostly D’s: High Risk of IED
Your answers point to significant difficulty managing anger, impulsivity, and aggression. These are common symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). It’s important to take these signs seriously and reach out to a mental health professional for evaluation and support. You are not alone, and help is available to help you regain control over your emotions.

🔊 AUDIO EXPLANATION

0:00

Mini-Test: Are You Unable to Deal With Anger? (IED)

0:00

Positive Affirmations for Anger Management

Repeat the following statements aloud, with your eyes closed, to help manage anger and build emotional resilience:

I am in control of my emotions.

I choose to respond calmly to challenges.

I am capable of handling frustration without losing control.

I forgive myself for past outbursts and focus on growth.

I deserve to feel peace and stability in my life.

I am learning to manage my anger in healthy ways.

I am strong enough to walk away from conflict.

I focus on solutions rather than reacting impulsively.

I am worthy of healthy, respectful relationships.

I choose to let go of anger and embrace calmness.

Disclaimer: This short test is a starting point for self-reflection, not a definitive diagnosis. Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a complex condition that requires professional evaluation. If you resonate with the more intense or aggressive options, consider seeking professional guidance to better understand and address your emotional responses. Remember, recognizing one’s limitations and seeking support for self-improvement is a sign of strength, not weakness.

📚 Scholarly References & Academic Sources

These scholarly sources provide empirical grounding and clinical authority to support the assessment of Intermittent Explosive Disorder and related emotional regulation challenges.

🧠 Core Academic Sources on IED

Diagnostic and Clinical Research

Coccaro, E. F. (2012). Intermittent explosive disorder as a disorder of impulsive aggression. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 14(4), 437-445.
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
McCloskey, M. S., et al. (2008). Intermittent explosive disorder-integrated research diagnostic criteria. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 49(4), 421-427.

Epidemiological Studies

Kessler, R. C., et al. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV intermittent explosive disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(6), 669-678.
Olvera, R. L. (2002). Intermittent explosive disorder: Epidemiology, diagnosis and management. CNS Drugs, 16(8), 517-526.

🧬 Neurobiological Foundations

Siever, L. J. (2008). Neurobiology of aggression and violence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(4), 429-442.
Coccaro, E. F., et al. (2011). Corticolimbic function in impulsive aggressive behavior. Biological Psychiatry, 69(12), 1153-1159.

Application: These studies reveal the brain mechanisms underlying impulsive aggression and emotional dysregulation in IED.

🔥 Anger and Aggression Research

Novaco, R. W. (2010). Anger and psychopathology. In International Handbook of Anger (pp. 465-497). Springer.
DiGiuseppe, R., & Tafrate, R. C. (2007). Understanding anger disorders. Oxford University Press.

Application: Essential for understanding the psychological mechanisms of anger dysregulation in IED.

💊 Treatment Approaches

Pharmacological Treatments

Coccaro, E. F., & Kavoussi, R. J. (1997). Fluoxetine and impulsive aggressive behavior in personality-disordered subjects. Archives of General Psychiatry, 54(12), 1081-1088.
Hollander, E., et al. (2003). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of divalproex sodium in impulsive aggression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160(9), 1771-1777.

Psychotherapeutic Interventions

McCloskey, M. S., & Ammerman, B. A. (2018). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for intermittent explosive disorder. In The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (pp. 355-370).
Beck, R., & Fernandez, E. (1998). Cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of anger. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 22(1), 63-74.

📝 Psychological Assessment

Assessment Tools

Coccaro, E. F., et al. (1998). Development of the intermittent explosive disorder interview. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 32(6), 369-373.
Spielberger, C. D. (1999). State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2). Psychological Assessment Resources.

Differential Diagnosis

Fanning, J. R., et al. (2014). Comorbid intermittent explosive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(3), 278-288.

🧘 Emotional Regulation

Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry, 26(1), 1-26.
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
Gratz, K. L., & Roemer, L. (2004). Multidimensional assessment of emotion regulation. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26(1), 41-54.

👶 Developmental Perspectives

Childhood and Adolescent Studies

Connor, D. F., et al. (2004). Juvenile maladaptive aggression. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 43(6), 752-761.
Eisenberg, N., et al. (2010). Relations of anger, sadness, and effortful control to adolescents’ externalizing problems. Social Development, 19(4), 741-763.

Application: Critical for understanding developmental pathways to impulse control disorders.

🔄 Comorbidity Research

Associated Conditions

Kessler, R. C., et al. (2006). The associations between childhood temper and adult DSM-IV disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(7), 741-749.
McCloskey, M. S., et al. (2010). Unhealthy aggression: Intermittent explosive disorder and adverse physical health outcomes. Health Psychology, 29(3), 324-332.

Critical Note: These studies demonstrate the significant health impacts and comorbidities associated with IED.