There can be multiple options when it comes to the treatment of intermittent explosive disorder. However, here are some of the common ones used in most cases.
1. Psychotherapy
In most cases, therapists use cognitive behavioural therapy as effective psychotherapy. It is a structured, goal-oriented talk therapy. Here, the therapists ask you several deep and insightful questions and take notes accordingly. These questions might help them identify the behaviours that usually trigger an aggressive response.
Once the therapists identify the problems, they will suggest coping methods. Some of the standard techniques used here are as follows.
- Relaxation Training: You can try relaxation n techniques like deep breathing, meditation, music therapies, yoga, etc., to calm your nerves and relax your muscles. They will manage your anger essentially.
- Coping Skills Training: This is a technique for role-playing situations likely to cause explosive episodes. You are exposed to this situation, and doctors will ask you to practise healthy behaviour here instead of losing your temper. It can be walking away or calmly thinking of a solution.
- Cognitive Restructuring: This technique requires the therapists to help the patients change faulty assumptions and depressing thoughts about a situation. They are encouraged to think of solutions against frustrating situations and perceived threats.
2. Medication
Certain medicines can improve intermittent explosive disorder by reducing the reactions of triggers and angry outbursts. Therefore, psychotherapy is often combined with medicines to ensure a high-quality treatment. Generally, doctors use the following groups of medicines for such patients.
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Antipsychotics
- Mood regulators
- Antianxiety medications
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, is the most commonly prescribed medicine for this health condition. Fluoxetine is a medicine that can help patients suffering from intermittent explosive disorder and is widely prescribed for this disorder. Other similar medicines include lithium, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.
3. Lifestyle Changes
You can also consider an alternative line of treatment with significant lifestyle changes. These can help you handle the situation. Some of these are as follows.
- Maintain a balanced diet with proper protein and nutrients.
- Get good sleep at night.
- Avoid alcohol and drug consumption.
- Stay physically active with daily exercising.
- Maintain work-life balance and participate in relaxing activities.
- Reduce work stress.