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By Mayo Clinic staffRoad rage. Domestic abuse. Angry outbursts or temper tantrums that involve throwing or breaking objects. Sometimes such erratic eruptions can be caused by a condition known as intermittent explosive disorder (IED).
Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of aggressive, violent behavior in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation. People with intermittent explosive disorder may attack others and their possessions, causing bodily injury and property damage. Later, people with intermittent explosive disorder may feel remorse, regret or embarrassment.
Intermittent explosive disorder occurs most often in young men and may affect as many as one in 14 U.S. adults. If you have this anger disorder, treatment may involve medications and psychotherapy to help you control your aggressive impulses.