Anger itself isn't a sign of a mental health condition. But chronic anger can seriously affect your daily functioning, relationships, and well-being.
Psychiatrists specializing in anger management diagnose and treat underlying mental health concerns that cause anger. They can prescribe medication to help you balance your mood and improve your ability to manage stress.
Medication is a mainstay of psychiatric anger management. But psychiatric providers can support you in other ways, like working with your care team, providing referrals, teaching coping skills, and more.
Anger is a natural human emotion like joy, sadness, or fear. Everyone experiences anger sometimes. But it’s how you respond to it that counts.
If your anger is hard to control, working with a psychiatric provider can help. Chronic impulsive aggression could be a sign of an underlying mental health concern. And, in some cases, it can also be linked to a health condition or medication.
Psychiatrists are doctors while psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health, and some have specific experience working with conditions that involve anger. They can help you get to the root of your anger issues and ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis. They can also prescribe medication to help you regulate your mood and tolerate stress.
When to see a psychiatrist about anger
There are many reasons to consider seeing a psychiatrist about anger. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision you can make with the help of your other providers.
Seeing a psychiatric provider might be a good option if your anger is:
Impacting your ability to function at home, work, or school
Damaging important relationships
Feeling uncontrollable
Creating safety concerns for yourself or others*
Challenging despite working with a therapist
*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themself or others, please call or text 988 on any phone for the Suicide & Crisis lifeline, contact a local crisis line, or head to the emergency room immediately. Any of these resources will ensure that the person in crisis receives support right away. For more information on getting help, go to 988lifeline.org
If experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.
Anger is also a symptom of various mental health conditions, including:
If you have one of these conditions or think you might, a psychiatric provider can provide a diagnosis. In some cases, they’ll prescribe medication to help you manage the symptoms of these concerns. Medication management is a major component of psychiatric care for anger.
In addition to prescribing medication, a psychiatric provider can support your anger management efforts in other ways. But their main goal is to help you manage your triggers, reduce reactivity, and strengthen your well-being as you work to get your anger under control.
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What to expect from psychiatric anger management
Psychiatric anger management typically includes the use of medication. There aren’t any medications approved to treat anger on its own. But in treating underlying mental health concerns, psychiatric providers can help their patients address their anger issues.
The exact medication your provider prescribes will be based on the pattern of your symptoms (like if your anger is sudden and hard to control), diagnosis, and other personal factors. Most of these medications work by treating the parts of the brain that control aggression, irritability, and impulse control.
As you think about what to expect from psychiatric anger management, keep in mind that it isn’t an exact science. So it may take some time to find the right medication and dose for your needs. Throughout this process, your psychiatrist can offer guidance and support. If you have concerns or if a medication isn’t working, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your feedback can help your provider tailor their recommendations and help you get the best results from treatment.
Other ways a psychiatrist can help with anger issues
If you decide to see a psychiatrist for anger issues, you can expect to have a conversation about medication. You and your provider can discuss the pros and cons of this approach and decide if it’s right for you.
But in addition to prescribing medication, a psychiatric provider can help with anger issues in other ways, including:
Fostering a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship so their patients feel safe to talk about their anger challenges
Collaborating with other providers like doctors, therapists, or psychologists to support their patients’ mental and physical well-being
Providing referrals for additional anger-focused resources (like individual, couples, or family therapy and support groups)
Teaching anger management coping strategies like mindfulness techniques
Recommending lifestyle changes to help reduce anger (like getting more sleep, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise)
A common misconception people have when using medication for anger issues is that it’s going to completely get rid of all the anger symptoms. Medication management is only one part of treatment. A psychiatric provider can also help with anger challenges in other ways to meet your needs.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Occasional anger is a natural part of life for most people. But if your anger is frequent, intense, and hard to control, it could be cause for concern. Anger can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition. And while a variety of providers can help you address your anger issues, working with a psychiatric provider can offer some unique advantages. These medical professionals specialize in treating the mental health concerns that cause anger with medication and other personalized supports.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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