A relationship can be affected by the presence of intermittent explosive disorder, a diagnosis that can cause serious problems in relationships. There are stressful situations that can be the cause of intense conflicts between people who are in a relationship. This negatively affects if either party experiences symptoms of this mental health disorder, which can lead to situations of verbal and/or physical violence and abuse.
Although information is known about this topic, it is necessary to provide greater clarity based on the understanding of the indicators, the origins of the clinical picture and the resolution of conflicts. In this Psychology-Online article, we explain what the intermittent explosive disorder in a couple: symptoms, causes and treatment.
What is intermittent explosive disorder
Intermittent explosive disorder in a couple is a clinical condition that is characterized by the presence of impulsive behaviors that arise suddenly in specific situations. One of the main qualities of this pathology is the manifestation of violenceboth physically and verbally, in the face of events that do not merit this type of reaction.
Intermittent explosive disorder has been included by the DSM-V within the disruptive disorders of impulse control and behavior based on its diagnostic criteria. To consider this problem as a clinical condition, a series of requirements must be met:
- Lack of impulse control accompanied by aggressiveness.
- Impulsivity causes damage and/or injuries to objects, animals and/or people.
- Disproportionate reactions with respect to initial situations.
- Lack of planning for the moment of aggression.
- Deterioration of social, work and family relationships due to these episodes.
- The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of other mental disorders or by the ingestion of toxic substances and/or medications.
How to know if my partner has intermittent explosive disorder
Intermittent explosive disorder in a couple manifests itself through certain manifestations. Next, we will see how to know if my partner has intermittent explosive disorder:
- Excessive verbal and/or physical responses when a conflict situation arises.
- Humor changes.
- Disadvantages in regulating emotions.
- Damage caused to the other person or objects that represent them.
- Lack of empathy in times of crisis.
- Shame after impulsive behavior.
- Feeling of.
Why does my partner have intermittent explosive disorder?
A couple may be diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder due to a series of causes that cause the appearance of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. Here we will talk about the main reasons.
- Environmental factors: Traumatic experiences in a person’s life determine the way they are in certain circumstances. In general terms, intermittent explosive disorder is formed by exposure to situations of physical and verbal violence by the family environment. In this way, these reactions are internalized and reproduced in the relationship.
- Genetic factors: Alteration of serotonin levels results in a lack of impulse regulation. Likewise, an overactivation of it leads to persistent anger reactions that are not planned. On the other hand, the genetic inheritance received from the parents can cause intermittent explosive disorder in the couple.
How to treat intermittent explosive disorder in a couple
Intermittent explosive disorder in a couple can be treated with some highly effective therapies. We see it below.
Psychological therapy
Conduct psychological therapy sessions with a mental health professional helps build tools to improve communication in the couple. In this sense, this type of approach works on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that trigger impulsive situations in the person who suffers from this clinical condition.
Likewise, psychological therapy tries to locate the origin of relationship problems and promotes a space for reflection to improve daily life.
Psychiatric medication
Generally speaking, people who have been diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder should consume anxiolytic, stabilizer and/or antidepressant medications, according to each case. The goal of these medications is to reduce the intensity of the anger attacks that a person may experience.
However, it is essential that the provision of pharmacological medication be supervised by a mental health professional. In the following article you will find more information about the different ones.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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References
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (5th edition). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing.
Bibliography
- Eddy. L. (2020). Behavioral disorders. Adolescence, 8 (1), 28-39.
- Zapata, JP, Palacio, J. (2016). Intermittent explosive disorder: a controversial diagnosis. Colombian Journal of Psychiatry, 45 (3), 214-223.