Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a mood disorder commonly misdiagnosed as Bipolar. Characterized by illogical, over the top bursts of anger and rage. Episodes of this often end in legal problems due to the intensity of the rage. Common, and effective treatments for this disorder include mood stabilizer medication, self reflection and counseling. Breaking an episode down into parts helps identify triggers and the emotion that the anger overshadowed. Bipolar medications don’t often help to control the anger, just the frequency of the mood swings into a manic state, where anger prevails. Identifying triggers, such as a toxic influence, is very effective in managing the condition.
My doctor diagnosed me with Intermittent Explosive Disorder. He said my statement “Anger is my primary emotion” urged him to double check my previous bipolar diagnoses.