Intermittent Explosiveness: When Frustration Turns Into Aggression

Frustration is a universal feeling that we all experience. Like all other emotions, such as fear or sadness, it is necessary. It is an indicator that something is wrong and that we should change something. As with the rest of our emotions, it can make us behave aggressively. But we must identify, within the emotional stage of frustration, the degree of intensity with which it manifests itself, and also the way in which it is regulated. Some people feel a disproportionate level of frustration compared to what triggers this feeling. They also respond to this frustration in an aggressive way with explosive anger and aggressiveness. They suffer from intermittent explosiveness.

What is intermittent explosiveness?

We refer to a disorder in which the control of your impulses and your emotional regulation is affected. We can also say that this is characterized by two fundamental factors.

• People with this disorder experience recurring episodes that are full of anger. They show a lack of control and aggression with a threatening attitude, which is manifested by screaming. It also often includes physical damage to surrounding objects, as well as animals and humans. It is an uncontrolled emotional stage that is repeated over time.
• These episodes of anger are not proportionate to the cause that triggers them. They tend to be provoked by a situation that the individual interprets as negative, but that other people handle with simplicity. For example, a small discussion, a project with an unwelcome outcome, criticism from a colleague. The cause can also be fabricated, such as feeling attacked in a discussion when in reality there is no such attack. It can also be due to jealousy. All of these are “reasons” that trigger intense aggression.

Intermittent explosiveness is an obstacle

Failure to manage anger well can have devastating consequences for the lives of those who suffer from this disorder. It can also affect the people around them. The reason for this is that it is fundamental to be able to control one’s aggressive impulses to live within a society.

Most people who have intermittent explosiveness have problems with their personal relationships, whether it is with family members, love partners or friends. Living close to people with this disorder means living in a state of constant tension. It is impossible to predict when they will explode. This causes the people around them, who love them and care about them, to set up distance. They do this for fear of explosions and the consequences they bring.

Intermittent explosiveness also affects the individual’s working life. The individual does not know how to control his explosions or how to counter them. Frustrating situations in the workplace will therefore sooner or later cause anger. These situations may include discussions with colleagues or criticism from a superior. These explosions therefore create a poor working environment and the person can be fired from work if the situation is repeated enough times.

Why do some people have explosions of aggression?

Some studies indicate that explosions of aggression are based on a lack of serotonin in the brain, such as changes in the prefrontal cortex, which is exactly the part of the brain associated with the control of impulses. It handles higher thinking.

Although this insinuates biological causes, one should also keep in mind that most people who suffer from intermittent explosiveness have lived in environments where one or more people manifested outbursts of anger. This suggests that it is not only the biological predisposition, but also the upbringing that we receive during childhood that affects the regulation of our emotions.

If children grow up and see that uncontrolled rage and violence are valid ways to get what they want, these behaviors will probably continue. They will also be strengthened. It is necessary for children to witness good examples of conflict resolution, as well as how to deal with frustration in a healthy way, with patience and a healthy dialogue.

It is also important to help children understand their frustration and learn how to deal with it; especially if they have a tendency to present their own complaints through outbreaks. Seek professional help if necessary. If we do this, we will counteract worse problems in the future.

Intermittent explosiveness can be treated

It is never too late for you to learn more about your emotions and how to deal with and control them. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, we can get these people to identify the first signs of rage. They can then stop it before it grows and create serious damage. They are given a set of options, such as getting out of the situation that produces their frustration. This output can be mental (redirection of attention) or physical.

Other aspects that help are practicing relaxation techniques. These reduce one’s general state of anxiety and general activation level. They do this by channeling that energy through, for example, sports. In some cases, medications that regulate serotonin may also help.

The most important thing is that we become aware that we have a problem and seek help for this. In this way, we can learn to manage our anger and improve our lives, and also the lives of the people we have around us.

Do you know someone who suffers from intermittent explosiveness or do you think you suffer from it yourself? How does it affect your everyday life?