If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with explosive disorder, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused. You may not even know what this diagnosis means. Don’t worry, you are not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss explosive disorder in depth. We will answer the question “what is explosive disorder?” and provide information about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for this condition.
Contents
Defining Explosive Disorder
Explosive disorder is a condition characterized by sudden and extreme outbursts of anger. These outbursts are often verbal, but they can also be physical. People with explosive disorder may lash out at others or destroy property during these episodes. The episodes themselves are usually short-lived, lasting only a few minutes. However, the aftermath of an episode can last much longer. People with explosive disorder may feel guilty, ashamed, as well as embarrassed after their outbursts.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of explosive disorder is recurrent and unexpected outbursts of anger. These outbursts may be verbal or physical. Other symptoms of this condition may include:
- Feeling on edge or irritable most of the time
- Having a short temper
- Being quick to anger
- Overreacting to minor things
- Lashing out at others
- Breaking or destroying property during an outburst
- Feeling out of control during an outburst
- Losing your temper over small things
- Saying or doing hurtful things during an outburst
- Breaking or destroying property during an outburst
- Having a history of explosive outbursts
- Feeling on edge or “keyed up” most of the time
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Struggling to concentrate or pay attention
- Being easily irritated or angered
- Acting impulsively or recklessly
- Physiological effects such as increase in heart rate, sweatiness, headaches etc.
Effects On Everyday Life
Explosive outbursts can have a negative effect on every area of your life. It can effect personal as well as professional relationships. Unmanaged temper can also come in the way of an individual’s mental, physical and emotional well-being at risk due to the symptoms influencing the quality of life.
If you have this disorder, you may find it difficult to:
- Maintain healthy relationships with family and friends
- Do well at work or school
- Keep a job
- Avoid legal problems
In addition, anger issues and related disorders can also influence and contribute to other mental health disorders, such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Suicide
- Bipolar disorder
Causes
The exact cause of explosive disorder is unknown. However, there are several factors that may contribute to the development of this condition, including:
- A family history of mental health disorders– If you have a parent or sibling with explosive disorder, you are more likely to develop the condition yourself.
- History of trauma or abuse- People who have experienced traumatic events are more likely to develop explosive disorder.
- Substance abuse- People who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to experience outbursts of anger.
- Exposure to violence- People who are exposed to violence, either directly or indirectly, are more likely to develop explosive disorder.
- Having another mental health disorder- Conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase your risk for developing explosive disorder.
- Poor coping skills: People who don’t have healthy coping mechanisms are more likely to resort to anger when they’re under stress.
- A history of impulsive or aggressive behavior: If you have a history of acting impulsively or aggression, you may be more likely to develop explosive disorder.
Treatment Options
The influence and effects of the symptoms can be managed in a lot of ways which can help you improve the quality of life.
Professional Help
If you are struggling with explosive disorder, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with the support and resources you need to manage your condition. Treatment for explosive disorder may include:
Psychotherapy- This is a type of therapy that can help you learn healthy coping skills and manage your anger.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)- This type of therapy can help you identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your outbursts. CBT can also teach you how to manage your anger in healthy ways.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)- DBT is a type of CBT that specifically focuses on helping people who have difficulty regulating their emotions. DBT skills training can teach you how to cope with intense emotions without resorting to unhealthy behaviors.
Medication- In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of explosive disorder. Medications that are commonly used to treat this condition include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers.
Support Groups- In addition to professional help, there are also support groups available for people with explosive disorder. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences with others who understand what you are going through. Support groups can be an invaluable resource for managing your condition.
Self Help Tips
In addition to professional help, there are also things you can do on your own to manage your symptoms. Some self-help tips for dealing with explosive disorder include tips such as:
Identify your triggers- One of the first steps in managing your condition is to identify the things that trigger your outbursts. Once you know what sets off your anger, you can avoid those triggers or be prepared to deal with them in a healthy way.
Improving communication skills- Learning how to communicate effectively can help you manage your anger and avoid explosive outbursts.
Making lifestyle changes- Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help reduce the frequency and severity of your outbursts. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress can all promote emotional wellness.
Cognitive reconstruction- When you have an outburst, it can be helpful to sit down and examine what happened. What were you thinking and feeling in the moments leading up to your outburst? What did you say or do during your outburst? Once you have a better understanding of your thoughts and behaviors, you can work on changing them.
Learn relaxation techniques- Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help you calm down when you are feeling angry. These techniques can be helpful in preventing or further managing explosive outbursts.
Exercise- Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and relieve tension. Taking a brisk walk, going for a run, or participating in a favorite sport can help you stay calm and focused.
Get adequate sleep- Getting enough sleep is crucial for managing explosive disorder. When you are well-rested, you are better able to cope with stress and manage your emotions.
Eat a healthy diet- Eating a balanced diet can also help you manage your condition. A healthy diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Conclusion
Explosive disorder can be a difficult condition to live with, but there is help available. If you are struggling with this condition, please seek professional help. There are also self-help tips that can be helpful in managing your symptoms. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With proper treatment and support, you can live a happy and healthy life.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Anger is a powerful emotion that is experienced by every individual at some point in their lives. If you have any queries regarding Online Anger Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Online therapy session
