IED is characterized by recurrent behavioral outbursts representing a failure to control aggressive impulses. These outbursts can be verbal (tantrums, arguments) or physical and are grossly out of proportion to the provocation. Individuals often feel a sense of relief during the outburst followed by remorse or regret. Our team can help develop skills for managing these powerful impulses.

Common Symptoms or Things to Look Out For:

• Recurrent behavioral outbursts representing a failure to control aggressive impulses.
• Verbal aggression (e.g., temper tantrums, tirades, verbal arguments) or physical aggression toward property, animals, or other individuals, occurring twice weekly, on average, for a period of 3 months.
• Three behavioral outbursts involving damage or destruction of property and/or physical assault involving physical injury against animals or other individuals occurring within a 12-month period.
• The magnitude of aggressiveness expressed during the recurrent outbursts is grossly out of proportion to the provocation or to any precipitating psychosocial stressors.
• The recurrent aggressive outbursts are not premeditated and are not committed to achieve some tangible objective.