Treating Intermittent Explosive Disorder

 

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is more common than experts initially believed, but the diagnosis remains controversial. Epidemiological data is still limited, and there is broad overlap with many disorders that feature impulsive, aggressive behavior. There continue to be wide variations — from clinician to clinician — in how the diagnosis is made.

Research on drug treatment has been limited. A 2009 study of 100 patients found that those who took fluoxetine for 12 weeks experienced statistically significant reductions in impulsive aggressive behavior compared with those who took a placebo. Researchers cautioned that even though the effect appeared robust, fewer than half the patients taking fluoxetine achieved a full or partial remission.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that combines cognitive restructuring, coping skills training, and relaxation training looks promising. A small randomized controlled trial by University of Chicago researchers found that after 12 weekly sessions, patients participating in either individual or group therapy were significantly less aggressive and angry, and less depressed, than those in the control group. Those who attended individual therapy sessions also reported an improvement in their overall quality of life. Three months later, the improvements persisted.

-See full review at Harvard Mental Health Letter...

 

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