What Is Explosive Disorder?

Overview. Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation.

What causes explosive disorder?

Some known intermittent explosive disorder causes include: Family history (heredity) Experiencing any sort of abuse, verbal or physical, in childhood. Brain function and chemistry, especially varying levels of serotonin.

What mental illness causes rage outbursts?

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an impulse-control disorder characterized by sudden episodes of unwarranted anger. The disorder is typified by hostility, impulsivity, and recurrent aggressive outbursts. People with IED essentially “explode” into a rage despite a lack of apparent provocation or reason.