If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an explosive disorder, it is essential to learn as much as possible about the condition. This disorder can be disruptive and cause many problems in your life. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for explosive disorder. We hope this information will help you manage this condition and live a happier life.
Contents
What Is Explosive Disorder?
The explosive disorder comes under the anger disorder umbrella and is characterized by impulsive and aggressive behavior. It’s important to note that explosive disorder is very similar to intermittent explosive disorder (IED), however, IED is considered to be a more severe form of the explosive disorder.
A person with an explosive disorder may experience episodes of impulsive aggression that are disproportionate to the situation. These episodes can include verbal outbursts, physical violence, and destruction of property. The individual may feel like they can’t control their behavior and may feel very angry, irritated, or frustrated.
Moreover, the explosive disorder is considered to be a chronic condition, which means that it can last for many years and may even become a lifelong struggle. However, with proper treatment, individuals with this disorder can learn to manage their impulsive behavior and live relatively normal lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an explosive disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and develop a treatment plan that may include medication and/or therapy.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
There are many signs and symptoms associated with this disorder. The most common include:
- the feeling of being “on edge” or easily agitated
- feeling like you’re about to explode or lose control
- engaging in impulsive or aggressive behaviors
- having a history of violence or temper tantrums
- having a low tolerance for frustration or disappointment
- being quick to anger or easily annoyed
- having a short fuse
These symptoms are actually behavioral indicators that something may be wrong. If you or someone you know is displaying these behaviors, it’s important to seek professional help. In addition, there are some physical impacts that a person can have with the explosive disorder. These can include:
- headaches
- stomach pain
- heart palpitations
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- nausea
So you can see that explosive disorder is more than just “having a bad day.” If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to assist you. Remember, you are not alone. You only need to seek help to begin the journey to recovery.
Are Explosive Disorder And Intermittent Explosive Disorder Linked?
IED refers to intermittent explosive disorder which is a much more common disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of aggression and anger. Explosive disorder, on the other hand, is a rarer condition that is typified by explosive outbursts that are unprovoked and out of proportion to the situation.
Both conditions are technically different, for example, some common differences can be that people with explosive disorder tend to have a much higher level of impulsivity and their outbursts are often unprovoked whereas people with IED often have some sort of trigger for their episodes.
Another difference, IED is more severe and can often result in the destruction of property or violence towards people or animals. Explosive disorder, while still destructive, is not as severe and typically doesn’t involve any sort of violence. However, they share some similarities also.
For one, people with explosive disorder often have a history of IED. In other words, it’s not uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with both disorders. Furthermore, both conditions are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Therefore, you can see that while there are some differences between the two disorders, they share enough similarities to warrant a more in-depth look. So if you are facing any sort of explosive outbursts, it is important to seek professional help in order to get an accurate diagnosis.
What Are The Causes And Triggers?
It is not currently known what causes the explosive disorder. However, it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Let’s discuss how these two interact to produce explosive disorder.
The genetic factor is thought to play a role in the development of explosive disorder. This is because the disorder has been found to run in families. In other words, if someone in your family has the disorder, you are more likely to develop it as well.
The environmental factor is thought to be the trigger for the explosive disorder. This means that something in the environment (e.g., stress) can cause the disorder to develop. It is important to remember that explosive disorder is not caused by a single factor.
Some of the possible triggers for explosive outbursts include:
- feeling overwhelmed or stressed
- feeling threatened or attacked
- perceiving that someone has violated your personal space or property
- feeling frustrated or disappointed
- feeling like you are not in control of a situation
It is important to remember that not everyone with an explosive disorder will have the same triggers. What might trigger an outburst in one person may not trigger an outburst in another. But in a nutshell, these are possible causes. So try to be aware of what might set you off.
How Does It Impact Life?
An explosive disorder is not an easy thing to live with. It can cause a lot of problems in day-to-day life, both for the person with the disorder and for those around them. Here are some of the common complications and consequences that can occur:
- Trouble at work: Many people with explosive disorder have difficulty keeping a job. This is often because they have trouble controlling their outbursts, which can lead to conflicts with co-workers or bosses. In some cases, people with the disorder may be fired from their jobs due to their behavior.
- Relationship problems: It can also take a toll on personal relationships. The outbursts can be overwhelming for friends and family members, and they may eventually distance themselves from the person with the disorder. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Legal troubles: People with this disorder may also find themselves in legal trouble. This is often due to their outbursts causing damage to property or injuring other people. In some cases, people with the disorder may be arrested and convicted of assault or other charges.
- Physical health problems: The stress of living with the disorder can also lead to physical health problems. This may include high blood pressure, heart disease, and ulcers.
These are some of the ways that an explosive disorder can impact life. If you or someone you know is living with this disorder, it’s important to get help. There are treatment options available that can make a big difference. With treatment, people with the disorder can learn to manage their outbursts and live happier healthier lives.
How Is It Diagnosed?
This is a difficult disorder to diagnose because it can be confused with other disorders that have similar symptoms. There is a complete method to diagnose the explosive disorder. These include:
- A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional
- Assessment of family history
- Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
In addition, there are several questionnaires and rating scales that can be used to diagnose this disorder, such as the irritability subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) or the aggression subscale of the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ).
These scales can be used to measure the symptoms of the explosive disorder and to track the severity of the disorder over time. It is believed that explosive disorder is underdiagnosed and that many people with this disorder may be misdiagnosed with other disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, or anxiety disorders.
So, consult with a professional to get an accurate diagnosis. There are many treatments available that can help you live a normal life. So don’t delay in seeking professional help. A mental health professional can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and rule out other disorders that may have similar symptoms.
How To Treat It?
There are many different types of treatment available for people with explosive disorder. Some common treatment options include:
Counseling or therapy
It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with the explosive disorder. A counselor or therapist can help individuals understand their triggers and how to manage them. When it comes to therapy, there are many different options available. Some common types of therapy include:
These can be extremely effective in helping individuals learn how to cope with their disorder.
Medication
There are also various types of medication that can be used to treat this condition. Some common options include:
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Antidepressants
- Stimulants
These can help to regulate the chemicals in the brain and help to stabilize mood swings. It is important to work with a mental health professional to find the right medication for you. Because medication can have side effects, it is important to be closely monitored by a professional while taking it.
Hospitalization
It might seem like the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling out of control is to go to the hospital. But if you have an explosive disorder, hospitalization might be the best thing for you. In a hospital, you’ll be able to get the 24-hour care and supervision you need to keep yourself safe. You’ll also have access to mental health professionals who can help you develop the skills you need to manage your disorder.
For example, you might work with a therapist to learn how to deal with triggers. Or, might also take medication to help stabilize your moods. Hospitalization can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs. But it can be an important step in getting your disorder under control.
Which treatment is right for you will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. You and your doctor will work together to create a treatment plan that meets your needs. If you have an explosive disorder, don’t wait to get help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional today. With the right treatment, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Can Explosive Disorder Be Self-Managed?
Along with professional help, there are always some self-help tips that can be useful for people with explosive disorders. So, in some cases, it is possible for people to self-manage their explosive disorder. Some of the self-help tips that can be useful include:
Identify the triggers
It is important to identify their triggers. Once they know what sets off their anger, they can try to avoid those triggers or at least be prepared for them. Because every person is different, there is no one-size-fits-all list of triggers. But some common triggers include:
- Feeling disrespected or belittled
- Feeling threatened or unsafe
- Having something important to them be taken away
- Not getting what they want
Understand the condition
It is important to understand that everyone has anger and that it is a normal human emotion. Just because someone has this disorder, it does not mean they are “bad” or “crazy.” It just means that they have trouble controlling their anger in a healthy way. And that is something that they can work on with professional help.
Healthy coping skills
It is also important to practice healthy coping skills. This can include things like deep breathing, walking away from the situation, and counting to ten. Again, there is no one-size-fits-all list of coping skills. But it is important to find ones that work for the individual and that they can use at the moment when they are feeling triggered.
Lifestyle changes
This disorder can also be managed by making some lifestyle changes. Some of the lifestyle changes that can be helpful include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
Making these lifestyle changes can be difficult, but they can make a big difference in managing the condition. If you’re struggling to make these changes on your own, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you develop a plan to make the changes you need.
Support groups
This is one of the most important treatments for people with explosive disorder. It allows you to share your experiences and feelings with others who understand what you are going through. Support groups also provide education about the disorder and its treatment. If you are considering attending a support group, it is important to find one that is right for you.
Some people prefer to attend in-person groups, while others find online or telephone groups more convenient. There are also different types of groups, such as those for family members or those for people with specific types of disorders. You can ask your doctor or therapist for recommendations on finding a support group that is right for you.
The explosive disorder can be a difficult and isolating condition, but treatment and support are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, please reach out for help. Remember, you are not alone.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, this explosive disorder can be extremely dangerous. It’s important to be well-informed about the condition and to get help if you or someone you know is struggling with it. Because this is not a mental health disorder that is often talked about, it can be difficult to find information and resources.
However, there are many organizations and websites dedicated to supporting those with the explosive disorders. With the right help, people with this condition can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
For more tips and guidance, you can reach out to Therapy Mantra. The team of professional counselors is more than happy to help you in your journey to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our services. You can also book an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app.
