Kathrine Kreger — Intermittent explosive disorder, or IED, can be a complicated condition to treat, but with a combination of both psychotherapy and medication is usually the best route. But the outlying issues that are caused by or contribute to IED, such as substance abuse, should also be addressed, and CAN be addressed.
Therapy and Counseling
Therapy is one of the most common treatments for IED, but there is a common misconception about therapy; therapy is not about telling the person how to think or act but instead helps the person come to their own conclusions. By learning to understand their behavior, IED sufferers have a chance to control their anger.
There are multiple approaches to psychotherapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on identifying both conscious and unconscious thought patterns. It can help pinpoint the underlying issues and long-repressed emotions that contribute to the rage. Identifying these emotions allows the person to work through them and develop more productive ways to approach emotional upheaval.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people achieve mindfulness of their emotions. By focusing on conscious thoughts and behaviors, the person becomes more aware of how they are feeling and how things make them feel. People learn to identify their impulses and triggers before they lose control.
IED can affect a patient's life beyond the realm of the disorder itself. The damage it causes to relationships may need to be addressed through family or martial counseling. Research has shown that IED sufferers are also prone to substance abuse, especially alcohol addiction, as they struggle with guilt and uncontrolled emotions. IED sufferers with substance abuse problem may need to seek help with their addiction. Rehabilitation centers can offer personalized care and counseling to help the patient understand and overcome their addiction.
Medication
Medications prescribed for IED sufferers will vary. Medication like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants are commonly prescribed. Because of how these medications act on the brain, they might be useful even if the patient does not display the symptoms the medications are usually prescribed to treat.
Light sedatives like Valium can be a double-edged sword, because while they can help sometimes, in other instances they can interfere with a person's self-control and contribute to outbursts. In severe cases, heavier tranquilizers might be indicated. Prescriptions like clozapine and haloperidol are both used in cases of severe IED.
Non-conventional treatments include the use of beta blockers, medications that reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure as they help the body relax can help control the rage. Though the effectiveness has not been proven, lowering testosterone levels or certain neurosurgery procedures are also being explored as avenues for treatment.
About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Boca House by Kathrine Kreger, and for those who want more information on addiction and seeking help, please visit their website today.
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