Intermittent Explosive Disorder is one of the most difficult disorders to be around. It is defined as verbal explosions that come out of nowhere and do not match the situation. An explosion and raging can happen if a spouse feels slighted, not heard, disrespected and not given enough time. The rage that comes from this disorder is disproportionate to the situation at hand.
The explosion is sometimes followed with broken and destroyed property, and it can be followed with physical abuse. It may not be accompanied by physical abuse but the abruptness of it and the decibels of rage that follow are just as bad if not worse than being hit. It is really a temper tantrum amped up 1000 times with spit flying in your face from the rages, yelling and ranting.
Professionally I see it too often in my office. The DSM 5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5th Edition) lists this disorder under: Disruptive, Impulse Control Problems, and Conduct Disorders. These aggressive outbursts offer temporary relief to the person doing them; however it wreaks havoc on your physical, spiritual, and emotional state.
If you are exposed to this disorder for any length of time (longer than a year or so) you can expect: high blood pressure, headaches, nausea, PTSD, anxiety and panic attacks, adjustment disorder, confusion, inability to function or concentrate, poor sleep, temporary loss of memory, hopelessness and depression.
If at all possible remove yourself from the relationship. If this is not possible learn how to practice self-care and how to distance yourself from the person. Give consequences, have a safe place, and prepare to exit as fast as you can. Get counseling and learn how to set up a contract, or an exit plan. At best, learn the top ten self-care tips. Wise men turn away anger. (Proverbs 29:8)
Proverbs 22:24 states: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person; do not associate with one easily angered.”
Over and over in scripture God refers to an angry man as a fool:
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:11)
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
Be a wise man not a fool and stay away from the fool.
God’s blessings everyone and stay safe: physically, mentally and spiritually,
Doc