Do you have intermittent explosive disorder? Take our test

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an impulse control disorder characterized by frequent severe and aggressive outbursts. People with IED may harm others, themselves, animals, or property during their anger episodes. IED-related outbursts tend to be brief (lasting less than 30 minutes) but can happen without warning.

People with IED may engage in temper tantrums, verbal altercations, and physical aggression that can yield significant consequences. Left untreated, IED can increase a person’s risk for substance use disorder, unemployment, interactions with the criminal justice system, and a decreased quality of life overall. But by getting diagnosed and seeking support, people with IED can learn to manage their impulsive aggression and improve their self-regulation skills.

Take our intermittent explosive disorder quiz

*Quiz content written by Lolly Coleman, MS, LMFT.

Getting diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder

The first (and perhaps most important) step is acknowledging that you need support and want to make a positive change in your life.

You can speak to a case manager, school counselor, or other supportive professional to help point you in the right direction if you are not sure where to start. Tell the person exactly what you’re experiencing, and let them know you’d like to be evaluated for IED. From there, you will discuss your concerns with your doctor or a mental health professional like a therapist, psychiatrist, or social worker.

During your first meeting, your provider will ask several questions to get to know your personal, medical, and mental health history. They may also use a formal assessment to help them understand when you first started experiencing symptoms, how often they occur, and how they affect your life. This meeting is also a chance for you to ask questions.

Your provider will use the information they gather to decide if your symptoms match the criteria for IED or another condition. They will compare your symptoms to the DSM-5 criteria, which is a guide used by mental health professionals to diagnose different conditions. For intermittent explosive disorder, this means looking for a pattern of strong reactions that feel sudden and hard to control.

This often includes:

• Outbursts that feel much bigger than the situation

• Reactions that happen quickly, without much warning

• Yelling, arguing, or physical aggression

• Outbursts that affect your relationships, work, or daily life

• A pattern that isn’t better explained by another condition, unhealthy substance use, or a medical issue

Many people also notice a pattern over time. There may be a sense of release during the reaction, followed by regret, guilt, or embarrassment.

Your diagnosis will serve as the foundation of your treatment plan and will help you and your provider determine which supports may be most helpful for you.

What to do after being diagnosed with IED

Receiving a mental health diagnosis can be a complex process. For some people, having a term to describe their experience can be helpful. But for others, it can be confusing, frustrating, or even provoke anxiety. All these reactions are valid, and it’s OK if you’re feeling overwhelmed after being diagnosed with IED.

Remember, receiving a diagnosis is just one part of your journey. The early stages of recovery can include learning more about IED, strengthening your support system, and ensuring that you have access to the right mental health care for your needs.

Throughout this time, try to practice self-compassion and have patience with yourself. There will likely be ups and downs as you practice new coping skills, deepen your self-awareness, and learn to navigate your emotions. While it might take some time to achieve your goals, remember that change is possible. You can learn to regulate your behavior, manage your anger, and improve your quality of life with the right support.

Online intermittent explosive disorder questionnaire

If you’re concerned that you might have IED, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. This condition can seriously impact your safety, mental health, and quality of life. While not a replacement for treatment or psychiatric care, the following test may help you better understand your experience.*

1. Do you feel and express strong feelings of anger multiple times per week?

   • Yes

   • No

2. Do you engage in frequent verbal aggression or arguments?

   • Yes

   • No

3. Do you sometimes cause physical damage to property, people, or animals?

   • Yes

   • No

4. When damage is caused — whether physical or emotional — has that been planned in advance?

   • Yes

   • No

5. Have you frequently been told that your reactions are out of proportion to the situation?

   • Yes

   • No

6. Does a difficulty managing anger cause significant difficulty in your personal life, including at work and in relationships?

   • Yes

   • No

7. Are there medical reasons why you may experience difficulty regulating emotions, such as a substance use disorder, brain injury, or psychotic disorder?

   • Yes

   • No

If you answered yes to questions one, two, three, five, or six, and no to questions four and seven, you may have symptoms related to IED. You can share your results with a mental health professional to determine the next best steps for care, including a potential diagnosis.

*Quiz content written by Lolly Coleman, MS, LMFT.

Clinician’s take

Treatment for IED is helpful because it provides structured support, evidenced-based strategies, and professional guidance to manage intense emotions and impulsive reactions more effectively. Trying to do it alone can feel overwhelming but working with professionals can build long-term emotional resilience and improve relationships.

Ashley Ayala, LMFT

Clinical reviewer