Raging Temper? Scary Truths about Intermittent Explosive Disorder

It's a common frustration experienced, usually when you have had a long day, and your patience is already running thin. Horns honk, cars swerve in and out of your lane, and fingers are flipping every time you turn your head. You're about to lose your mind, but you don't act out aggressively.

That's not the case for those with Intermittent explosive disorder.

Intermittent explosive disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme expressions of anger to the point of uncontrollable rage. People with this disorder could attack others and their possessions.

Intermittent explosive disorder affects 3-4 percent of people annually. This disorder does tend to appear in the early stages of development, with an average onset in males at the age of 13, and age 19 in females.

After violent crimes or car accidents, this disorder can be controversial as the people who act out their violent impulses are not likely to seek treatment.

Instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Joseph Shrand, shares the scary truths behind intermittent explosive disorders, as well as appropriate ways to handle your actions when rage rises.