Occasional rushes of anger are a normal emotion and part of the human experience. However, when pervasive anger disrupts your life with outbursts and dangerous behaviors, you may have an anger disorder, sometimes referred to as intermittent explosive disorder. Board-certified psychiatrist, Sudhir Gadh, MD, can help you control your emotions and resolve the underlying issues triggering your anger at his practice in Union Square, New York City. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
request an appointmentWhen is anger a psychiatric disorder?
The natural expression of anger is aggressive behaviors, which are part of your natural fight-or-flight response. When you are constantly angry, it can be physically and mentally exhausting and lead to explosive outbursts and dangerous behaviors that can harm you or the people around you. Anger can also manifest as irritability, self-induced social exclusion, or even physical illness. When your anger disrupts your life, including your work and relationships, you should seek professional help.
What causes anger problems?
The roots of anger are usually multifaceted and unique to each person. For example, if you’re living with post-traumatic stress disorder, anger may be the easiest or most comfortable way to express yourself if you have memories or flashbacks of traumatizing events.
Addiction and substance abuse are often linked to anger. Substance abuse is known to alter your brain chemistry and the parts of your brain responsible for judgment, decision-making, learning, and behavior control. Many people abuse alcohol and other substances to numb their feelings, which may provide temporary relief. However, over time, not only can the substance become less effective, it can damage your ability to control your thoughts and behaviors.
How is an anger disorder managed?
Dr. Gadh provides customized treatments for anger issues that may include medication, individual and group therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Dr. Gadh will work with you to resolve the issues at the root of your anger while also teaching you strategies to express yourself without resorting to explosive outbursts or harmful behaviors.
He may prescribe medication to regulate your brain chemistry, which can provide clarity to allow you to address any trauma or unresolved issues productively in therapy. Low-dose lithium supplements, for example, can help to regulate your moods and reduce negative thoughts and self-destructive behaviors.
He’ll also encourage you to engage in regular exercise, which can stimulate the “feel good” chemicals in your brain and help you become more in touch with the connection between your mind and body.
To find out what’s causing your anger and to learn how to control it, book an appointment with Sudhir Gadh, MD, online or over the phone today.