Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): When Anger Speaks Louder Than Intent

Some feelings come gently like the waves. Others hit hard and suddenly overwhelming, and are not possible to retract once let loose. In case you have been through an episode of anger that was faster than your control, or if a loved one turns from serene to enraged in a fraction of a second, just remember: you are not the only one, and you are not defective.

These years of sudden anger have been claimed to be nothing but "overreactions" by a large number of people across the globe. They may be indicative of a mental health disorder called Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), an inordinate display of rage that erupts in ways that feel overwhelming, uncontrolled, and extremely painful (Coccaro, 2022). It is the time to breathe, reduce judgment, and examine this condition with plainness, mercy, and transparency.

What Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is a condition wherein there is a recurrence of mania; the person involved resorts to shouting, breaking things, threatening, and even resorting to violence. These occurrences are neither premeditated nor for selfish reasons. They are manifestations of uncontrollable emotional and physiological intensity (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Usually, IED shows up in late childhood or the teenage years, and if untreated, the condition can last for many years. The majority of people characterize this as "snapping," "losing control," or "being another person for a second" (Olvera et al., 2023).

Why Does IED Happen? The Mind–Body Connection

IED is not merely “bad temper.” A number of interlinked causes have been pointed out by researchers:

• Genetic tendency weakening the control of emotions (Knudsen et al., 2021)

• Fluctuations in serotonin levels that affect impulse suppression (Coccaro et al., 2021)

• Increased activity of the amygdala that heightens reactivity (McCloskey et al., 2022)

• History of early trauma or chronic stress

• Difficulty recognizing or tagging feelings (alexithymia)

• Co-existing disorders like ADHD, anxiety, or impulsive personality traits (Fanning et al., 2022)

Anger, in this scenario, is like a misunderstood emergency language of the body, fast, protective, and very often misinterpreted.

In What Ways and With What Feeling Do IED Outbursts Show?

IED can be different for everyone, but there are many similarities in symptoms across the community.

Emotional Signs

• Quick and unexpected waves of irritability or rage

• A sense of being “out of control” during the event

• Feeling overwhelmed with regret or shame afterward

Physical Symptoms

• Fast heartbeat

• Feeling very hot

• Pressure in the chest or jaw

• Shaking or restlessness

Behavioral Signs

• Shouting, throwing things, or banging doors

• Physical aggression

• Verbal threats or heated arguments

Although events usually last less than half an hour, their emotional fallout can linger for days (Kolla et al., 2022). Many describe the anger as a sudden tempest—too fast to anchor themselves.

Gentle Home Remedies and Calming Practices

While professional therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and anger-focused interventions, remains the gold standard (Smith et al., 2022), soft routines can support healing at home.

1. The 90-Second Wave Rule

Strong emotional states last about 90 seconds if not fed by thoughts (Taylor, 2021).As anger rises:

• Stop

• Breathe deeply

• Let the emotional wave crest and fall

Visualize yourself standing by a river as the water rushes past.

2. Nervous System Calming Rituals

Sensory soothing is powerful:

• Warm baths

• Soft blankets

• Slow tea rituals

• 4-7-8 breathing

• Splashing cold water on the face

These signals signal safety to the nervous system.

3. Create an Environment That Softens Stress

Small environmental shifts reduce triggers:

• Light-filled, uncluttered rooms

• Calming scents like lavender

• Comfortable, breathable clothing (like Mellow Active’s soft collections)

• Decluttered spaces that promote emotional clarity

A softer environment nurtures a softer inner world.

4. Emotion Naming Practice

Labeling emotions reduces their intensity (Kircanski et al., 2022). Try:

• “I’m feeling overwhelmed.”

• “I’m feeling unheard.”

• “I’m feeling cornered.”

Naming creates space between you and the feeling.

5. Movement That Releases, Not Punishes

Gentle yoga, walks, and stretching help release stored tension.Think: movement as medicine, not discipline.

The Life Impact of IED and the Start of Healing

IED can strain relationships, work life, self-esteem, and one’s sense of safety within themselves. Many suffer in silence out of shame or fear of judgment. Yet healing begins with understanding—not fear.

Anger doesn’t define you. It communicates for you until healthier tools appear.

A Warm Call to Action

If you recognize yourself or a loved one in these words, pause and breathe.This is not a diagnosis.It is an invitation to reflect gently, without shame.

Your emotions are not too much.Your intensity is not a flaw.Your story is still unfolding.

Reach out—to a therapist, a trusted friend, or a support community.And if you want more emotional wellness tips, grounding rituals, sustainable living insights, and community stories, you’re welcome in our space anytime.

Healing isn’t about suppressing anger.It’s about giving the heart a softer way to speak.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).

Coccaro, E. F. (2022). Intermittent explosive disorder: Clinical characteristics and neurobiology. World Psychiatry, 21(1), 120–136.

Coccaro, E. F., Lee, R., & McCloskey, M. S. (2021). Serotonin functions in impulsive aggression. Neuropsychopharmacology, 46, 377–385.

Fanning, J. R., et al. (2022). Impulsivity and aggression in IED. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 146, 21–29.

Kircanski, K., et al. (2022). Emotional labeling reduces distress reactivity. Affective Science, 3, 58–69.

Knudsen, E. I., et al. (2021). Genetic and neural factors in emotion dysregulation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 22, 627–642.

Kolla, N. J., et al. (2022). Physiological arousal patterns in impulsive aggression. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 118, 152344.

McCloskey, M. S., et al. (2022). Amygdala reactivity in anger disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 91(2), 178–187.

McLaughlin, K. A., et al. (2021). Emotion regulation interventions for anger. Clinical Psychology Review, 88, 102058.

Olvera, R. L., et al. (2023). Developmental pathways in intermittent explosive disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 64(2), 238–250.

Smith, A. J., et al. (2022). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anger dysregulation. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24, 501–510.