Anger crisis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

A tantrum or rage attack is a disorder in which uncontrolled attacks of anger and sudden aggression are generated in response to a stimulus, which can be accompanied by verbal and physical aggression that lasts around 30 minutes and can harm the person. and who is around you.

Before the attack or tantrum occurs, also known as intermittent explosive disorder or Hulk syndrome, some symptoms may appear such as headache, dizziness, nausea and changes in consciousness and, after the crisis, it is common for the person to feel remorse, guilt and shame. This disorder is often accompanied by abuse of illicit substances, depression, OCD or social phobia.

Treatment of an anger crisis includes the use of medications such as fluoxetine or sertraline prescribed by a psychiatrist, as well as cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy sessions to control impulses and anger.

Symptoms of a tantrum

The main signs and symptoms indicative of an attack or tantrum are:

• Lack of control over aggressive impulse;
• Breaking your own belongings or those of others;
• Sweat, tingling and muscle tremors;
• Increased heart rate;
• Verbal threats or physical aggression towards another person without a reason that justifies this attitude;
• Feelings of guilt and shame after attacks.

It is common to feel angry in stressful situations such as car crashes or a lot of work, and this feeling is normal as long as you are aware and have control over it, and there are no sudden changes to a state of fury, anger or aggressive behavior, which can put you in danger. risk their own well-being and the safety of others.

However, when aggression is disproportionate to the situation that triggered the anger, it may be a sign of intermittent explosive disorder that requires treatment.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of a tantrum is made by a psychologist or psychiatrist, through personal history, and reports from friends and family, as well as a psychological and physical evaluation to rule out illnesses or the use of substances that could alter behavior, in addition to the DSM criteria. -V.

Furthermore, it is necessary to rule out the possibility of other behavioral changes, such as antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. Understand better what borderline personality disorder is.

Causes of tantrum

The exact cause of the rage attack is not known, however, it is believed that it may be related to factors such as family members who have more aggressive and impulsive behavior, changes in neurotransmitters and changes in the region of the brain responsible for impulse control.

Furthermore, it is common for people with this disorder to have a history of physical and/or sexual abuse during childhood and exposure to traumatic situations, such as serious accidents or disasters.

How the treatment is carried out

When anger attacks are frequent and get out of control, it is recommended that a psychologist be consulted so that individual and/or group therapy sessions can be carried out, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be applied to learn not only how to control anger but also also identify situations that may provoke a more aggressive response.

During therapy, the help of close family members, to learn how to face and control these episodes of aggressive behavior, is extremely important.

In addition to psychotherapy, it may be necessary for this disorder to use antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications such as fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline, carbamazepine and valproate, prescribed by the psychiatrist, as they help control emotions, thus reducing aggression.

Possible consequences

The consequences of intermittent explosive disorder are the result of thoughtless actions taken during tantrums, such as loss of job, suspension or expulsion from school, divorce, problems with alcohol or other substance abuse, difficulty relating to other people, accidents car and hospitalizations for injuries suffered during the attack.

The aggressive condition occurs even when there is no alcohol consumption, but it is usually more serious when alcoholic beverages are consumed, even in small quantities.

Furthermore, anger attacks can cause the development of coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or stroke, and can even lead a person to commit suicide. See the main causes of suicide and what to do.