Overview
Diagnosis
Diagnosing intermittent explosive disorder involves a detailed assessment to understand symptoms and rule out other possible causes. Your health care professional may begin with a physical exam, which can help rule out medical issues or alcohol and drug use that may contribute to symptoms. Lab tests may also be included.
A mental health evaluation is another key step. During this assessment, you discuss your symptoms, thoughts, emotions and behaviors. This helps identify patterns of aggression and determine whether they align with intermittent explosive disorder or another condition.
Treatment
Treatment for intermittent explosive disorder often combines psychotherapy and medicine. Because symptoms and triggers vary from person to person, care plans are personalized.
Therapy is typically centered around cognitive behavioral therapy. This approach helps you identify triggers, practice relaxation techniques and develop new ways of thinking about stressful situations. Cognitive restructuring teaches you to recognize unrealistic thoughts and replace them with more balanced perspectives. Problem-solving skills and healthy communication strategies also support better responses during frustrating moments. Practicing these skills regularly between therapy sessions is important for long-term progress.
Medicines may also be part of treatment. Health care professionals often use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to help regulate mood. Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers or other medicines might be prescribed if needed. For some individuals, long-term medicine use can help reduce the frequency and intensity of explosive outbursts.
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