Yelling, throwing objects, spewing words that cut deep—if there’s a teen in your life who’s struggling with intermittent explosive disorder, you may be no stranger to these displays of anger.
Teens diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) can be difficult to be around. Their angry outbursts can push you away and place you right at the end of your tether.
But if you can imagine it, the impact of IED on a teen’s life is even greater. IED is often socially isolating and overwhelming and can lead to many uncomfortable feelings, such as embarrassment and depression.
Fortunately, there are many strategies available to help a teen cope with intermittent explosive disorder and ways their loved ones can support them. But first, what is IED in teens?
The anger that comes with IED appears as if out of nowhere, making it unpredictable and difficult to manage. A child struggling with IED may be overcome with all-consuming anger, leading them to attack or hurt others, insult those they love, or hit objects.
It’s also not generally easy to soothe a teen with IED, as they may struggle to get rid of their anger energy, leading to long periods (often around an hour) of rage. Teens with IED rarely enjoy being the person who lashes out (although some say they want to hurt others during episodes of rage), and they tend to feel intense guilt after doing so.
IED looks and feels different for everyone who experiences it. While some teens have angry episodes regularly, other teens may only feel this sort of anger occasionally. Nevertheless, there are some common physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of uncontrollable emotional explosions in teens that are worth looking out for.
Those struggling with IED also often describe “seeing red” or everything going blank during an IED episode.
Those with IED often describe feeling a fast build-up of rage that quickly becomes uncontrollable, leading to the behavioral patterns we mentioned above.
After an episode, people with IED may feel guilty, embarrassed, or ashamed of their behavior. They may also struggle to remember exactly what happened, especially if they tend to “see red” or blackout during bouts of intense anger.
There may be more factors at play with IED, but without solid research confirming this, we can’t say conclusively. What’s more, every teen with an IED diagnosis is different, and the condition is very complex. Therefore, every teen may have a unique combination of possible causes.
Experts are still trying to learn about the full impact of IED on adolescents’ lives. However, teens with intermittent explosive disorder are more likely to:
Bouts of explosive anger can make school difficult, as they may be given harsh punishments in an attempt to control their rage. However, these methods aren’t typically effective, potentially worsening the angry outbursts.
IED often occurs alongside other mental health difficulties. Although more information is needed, research indicates that an IED diagnosis may increase the risk of other mental health difficulties.
The picture we’ve painted of IED in teens so far sounds pretty bleak, right? But fortunately, many treatment options are available to help support a teen struggling with IED, and to help them build tools to manage this condition. Let’s explore each in depth below.
Teens struggling with IED often feel like they have next-to-no control over their emotions. They may also be battling friendship difficulties and suicidality as a result of their IED. Inpatient programs for extreme anger in teens can help them learn coping strategies to manage their IED.
Residential treatment can also provide a safe haven for teens with IED, allowing them to express themselves and heal in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Another major benefit is peer support in residential treatment for IED—teens can make friends with other like-minded people, helping support them on their journey.
At Mission Prep, we focus on providing a supportive environment that allows adolescents with IED to thrive. To learn more about Mission Prep’s treatment, check out Our Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Program.
It’s worth mentioning that a comprehensive residential treatment program for teens with IED will include a mixture of these therapy approaches to best support each teen.
A holistic approach to IED involves considering the teen as a whole and the aspects in their life that may be making their IED more difficult to manage. Inpatient treatment programs tend to use a holistic approach, as this provides a more well-rounded support framework for the teen.
Holistic approaches to IED in adolescent residential care often involve emotional regulation strategies, peer support, group therapy, and mindfulness and coping strategies tailored to teens.
Contact us today to find out more about our comprehensive programs for explosive anger in teens.
Watching someone you love face IED can be incredibly distressing and overwhelming. It’s normal to not know what to do in these situations. So, if that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone.
The first step to helping a teen with IED is recognizing the signs we’ve outlined above. Noticing when a teen may be struggling with IED is the first way you can support them.
Next, seek a professional evaluation from a healthcare or psychiatric professional. They can identify whether it is IED and help the teen get the support they need. You could also reach out to a residential treatment center, such as Mission Prep. We can offer guidance on the best course of action for your teen.
Finally, take part in family-focused therapy and parent training programs so you can learn to support your teen in the best ways possible. The family is a fundamental part of a teen’s recovery, and by doing what you can to support them, you are helping them manage their IED.
Long-term care programs for IED in teens can drastically change their everyday lives, helping them manage their moods and use coping strategies so their lives don’t feel as overwhelming.
If you’re a teen who thinks you may be struggling with IED, or you’re questioning whether someone you love may be experiencing IED, don’t wait to seek support. Left untreated, IED can wreak havoc on a person’s life, including their relationships.
Contact us today for a confidential assessment.
Find out if Mission Prep is right for you by reaching out to us and speaking with one of our admissions representatives.
