Intermittent Explosive Disorder Diagnosis

Response to Colleague Post

As my colleague points out, the patient in this case presents with symptoms consistent with intermittent explosive disorder. This has been highlighted as the primary diagnosis. The alternative diagnosis was in this case hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Anemia. In arriving at intermittent explosive disorder as the primary diagnosis, my colleague appears to have relied upon the patient’s presenting symptoms – although this has not been explicitly indicated in the diagnostic impression section.

It would be prudent to note that intermittent explosive disorder happens to be one of the least known mental health conditions. However, this does not make it any less harmful to the wellbeing of a person. In the words of Coccaro and McCloskey (2019), the disorder “involves sudden outbursts of rage, aggression, or violence… reactions tend to be irrational or out of proportion to the situation” (89). Towards this end, the authors are categorical that some of the symptoms that persons suffering from the disorder present with (i.e. during episodes of aggression) are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; racing thoughts, irritability, rage, palpations, as well as tremors and tingling. Grant and Potenza (2012) also make an observation to the effect that persons suffering from intermittent explosive disorder often have behavioral and verbal outbursts that do not match the provocation. For this reason, they could engage in physical fights or throw temper tantrums. These are some of the symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder that the client in the case presents with. According to my colleague, the treatment approach would in this case incorporate psychotherapy and pharmacological management. In as far as pharmacological management is concerned, my colleague settles for Abilify. It is important to note that from a general perspective, the various medication considerations could also be inclusive of antianxiety drugs, antipsychotic drugs, mood stabilizers, as well as antidepressants.