Treatment To Control Anger: Therapy Or Medication For Anger Disorders
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include abuse which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.
Getting angry can be normal, as anger is a healthy emotion on its own. However, if you or someone you know has frequent angry outbursts, taking an anger disorder test might be helpful in determining whether this behavior may be related to an underlying mental health condition.
Inappropriate anger can be a common psychological concern, and multiple effective treatment options may be available, including therapy and, in some cases, medication as part of a broader treatment plan. Online therapy with mental health professionals may also be an available way to get the mental health help you deserve.
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Mental health conditions linked to anger
While the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not currently include a specific diagnosis for anger issues alone, anger can be a symptom associated with several mental health conditions, including the following:
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)
Intermittent explosive disorder is usually characterized by repeated and sudden explosive episodes of aggressive behavior or extreme reactions to situations that can lead to violent behavior. Those with intermittent explosive disorder may have the sense that they lose control during explosive outbursts and have extreme difficulty managing their anger.
According to research, intermittent explosive disorder may be more common than people once thought, with more than 7% of the US population potentially experiencing this disorder in their lifetimes. This study revealed that the average age of onset for intermittent explosive disorder is 14 years old. The fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders clarifies that intermittent explosive disorder typically consists of at least three destructive outbursts within 12 months.
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
Oppositional defiant disorder is a behavioral disorder primarily diagnosed in children and is usually characterized by aggressive episodes and frequent defiance toward others.
Conduct disorder
Conduct disorder is another diagnosis for children who exhibit difficulty following rules and engaging in socially acceptable behavior. Symptoms can include physical violence and inappropriate expressions of anger.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
DMDD is usually a childhood mental health disorder, and frequent anger attacks, prolonged tantrums, and mood dysregulation often characterize it.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can involve prolonged mood shifts, sleep disruption, racing thoughts, and changes in energy levels, which may sometimes include irritability or angry outbursts.
Psychotic disorders
People with psychotic disorders may experience changes in perception and thinking that affect their sense of reality. These conditions may also involve hallucinations or delusions, and in some situations a person may be at increased risk of agitation or unsafe behavior.
Personality disorders
Personality disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and paranoid personality disorder, are mental health conditions involving long-term patterns of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, which can sometimes include difficulty controlling anger.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that frequently involves hyperactivity and impulsivity, with symptoms such as racing thoughts and difficulty with impulse control that can sometimes involve inappropriate expressions of anger.
Other conditions that may require medication for anger disorders
In addition to the above mental health conditions, chronic diseases like cancer and chronic pain can contribute to people experiencing angry outbursts. Chronic stress can be another condition that may contribute to a person losing control of their anger.
Anger management and counseling for stress and domestic violence
Therapists do not usually recommend anger management therapies for situations involving domestic violence. Anger management therapy typically involves understanding emotions when a person is feeling stressed, tired, depressed, or fearful, and learning how to manage these emotions in healthy ways, rather than perceiving them as an attack or threat that leads to anger.
Anger associated with domestic violence is often related to an imbalance of power in a relationship, gender socialization issues, alcohol use, and child abuse. Anger management therapies are generally not successful in stopping domestic violence. If you are experiencing abuse, create your plan to stay safe and seek crisis support immediately.
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Seeking treatment: Choosing the right anger management therapy and medication for anger disorders
Treatments for anger management can differ depending on the person, their situation in life, and any underlying mental health conditions. In addition, a person may choose to seek treatment in more than one way before finding one that works. According to the American Psychological Association, the most promising therapy treatment options for anger management can include the following:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change thought patterns
CBT usually focuses on helping a person identify and change negative thought patterns. One type of CBT therapy frequently used for anger management is stress inoculation. In this therapy, the person may imagine various anger-provoking incidents, such as road rage, and practice productive coping strategies. A mental health professional will guide these types of cognitive restructuring exercises.
Getting started with BetterHelp is simple:
- Take a short questionnaire. Answer a few quick questions about your goals, preferences, and the type of therapist you’d like to work with.
- Get matched quickly. In most cases, you can be matched with a licensed provider in as little as 48 hours.
- Start therapy on your terms. Schedule sessions by video, phone, or live chat, and join from anywhere you have an internet connection.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchFamily therapy to express emotions and to control anger outbursts
Anger management problems often involve unhealthy family dynamics. Family therapy can help you control anger directed at a spouse, intimate partner, children, or other family member. This type of treatment may also teach ways to resolve interpersonal conflicts without expressing anger.
Psychodynamic therapy
This type of talk therapy often uses self-reflection to discover the underlying causes of a person’s emotional distress that may lead to inappropriate expressions of anger. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are often linked to anger management problems. This form of therapy may treat those issues related to anger management.
Group therapy
Some therapists use group therapy to help people learn to control their anger. In group therapy sessions, participants can share their challenges, experiences, and triumphs with other group attendees, who can provide support, encouragement, and understanding.
Residential treatment centers for anger management
Residential anger management treatment centers are places for people with severe, debilitating problems with anger. This type of treatment can enable participants to temporarily escape daily life, reducing the events that may lead to angry outbursts. By providing support groups, residential anger management treatment centers can also help people with psychiatric conditions feel less isolated. At the same time, participants can work toward managing their symptoms through psychotherapy, relaxation training, and, when clinically appropriate, medication.
Beyond mindfulness and relaxation: Treatment and medications for anger management
In addition to therapy, support groups, and inpatient treatment centers, doctors and psychiatric providers may consider medication to help address symptoms related to anger when clinically appropriate, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Depending on a person’s symptoms, diagnosis, and medical history, a licensed psychiatric provider may evaluate whether antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or other medications could be part of treatment.
Medication management, covered by insurance
$20 average copay with insurance*
Connect with a psychiatrist*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.
Medications often come with the risk of potential side effects. Therefore, take medications as prescribed and communicate with your medical provider about any concerns or side effects. Doctors often perform routine health checks to monitor patients’ reactions to medications closely. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping medicines for anger or other conditions.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for individualized information regarding which drugs, medications, or medical treatments may be appropriate for you. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate, based on a full evaluation by a licensed psychiatric provider.
The content here provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional. Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.
Treating anger management issues
Counseling is valuable to many people with different frustrations, goals, and mental health diagnoses. If you’re curious about how counseling may be helpful to you, you can do more research. Online counseling may be a suitable option for people who would like to receive treatment from home, due to scheduling or comfort reasons.
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Internet-based therapy for anger management
Online therapy platforms can connect you with licensed professional therapists who may specialize in helping people with anger management. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy for adults who may benefit from psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management when clinically appropriate. To learn more, visit this page.
Recent research has determined that cognitive-behavioral talk therapies delivered via the Internet can effectively treat anger management issues. In addition, this study noted that often, people who experience uncontrollable anger feel ashamed about their condition. Connecting with a therapist online is an exceptionally comfortable way for them to receive help.
Takeaway
Does BetterHelp offer psychiatry and medication management?
Yes. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift. BetterHelp psychiatry and medication management services provide virtual mental health care for individuals ages 18 and older who are experiencing mild to severe behavioral health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may benefit from psychiatric consultation, prescriptions, and ongoing medication management. Psychiatry is an additional care option available alongside therapy and can be part of a holistic mental health care experience. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider.
Are psychiatry and medication management covered by insurance on BetterHelp?
Yes. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services that may be covered by insurance through UpLift. Many UpLift providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers (for eligible members the average copay is only $20). The cost of your medication will depend on your insurance plan. We recommend speaking with your insurance to learn how much your medication will cost. Try asking about your copay, deductible, and whether they cover your prescribed medication.
What is the best treatment for anger management problems?
Talk therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for anger management issues such as intermittent explosive disorder. A systematic review found that cognitive behavioral therapy, a common approach used for anger management, has moderate success in addressing anger, temper tantrums, and aggression challenges such as intermittent explosive disorder and may be particularly helpful for people who struggle with anger expression and explosive outbursts. For severe anger problems and aggressive behaviors, a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication may sometimes be considered to help manage symptoms, depending on an individual’s needs and a licensed provider’s evaluation.
What medication helps to control anger disorder?
Several medications may be considered to help address anger-related symptoms, depending on whether a person has another mental health condition, what triggers emotional outbursts and temper tantrums, and how they respond to possible side effects. Anxiety medications, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers may be considered by a licensed psychiatric provider or healthcare team when clinically appropriate. Not everyone needs or benefits from medication, and prescribing decisions are individualized.
How do you stop getting angry so easily and having anger outbursts?
The treatment plan for many of the mental health conditions that involve rage attacks and aggressive behaviors typically includes talk therapy. Therapy has been shown to be effective at teaching communication skills, anger management techniques like deep breathing techniques, and coping mechanisms that can reduce symptoms and improve mental health, wellness, and the day-to-day life of a person.
Are anger management issues a mental illness?
Not always, but when anger manifests itself as explosive anger or rage attacks, it can be associated with mental health conditions like intermittent explosive disorder, bipolar disorder, or certain conduct disorders.
What mental illness causes anger outbursts?
Several mental health conditions may be associated with anger outbursts, a common one being intermittent explosive disorder. People with intermittent explosive disorder experience sudden aggressive outbursts of intense and uncontrolled rage that are out of proportion to the trigger. During an episode of intermittent explosive disorder, an individual may start showing aggressive behavior such as kicking, punching, screaming, or throwing objects.
An individual diagnosed with IED or intermittent explosive disorder needs support from a mental health professional to learn coping skills and relaxation techniques. If this mental health condition is not treated, intermittent explosive disorder can cause problems and may lead to emotional or physical danger.
Does CBD help with anger?
Some research has examined the effects of CBD for stress, anxiety, and anger, and while there have been some promising results in certain studies, research is not yet robust enough for professionals to recommend CBD as an effective treatment for anger.
Are people with anger issues bipolar?
Not always, but anger issues can be a symptom for some people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder may also co-occur with intermittent explosive disorder.
What antidepressants are good for anger and irritability?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the antidepressants that may be considered to help address aggression and anger-related symptoms in some cases. A licensed psychiatric provider may consider them because they are often effective and generally well tolerated for many people, though side effects can vary. Medication decisions should be based on a full clinical evaluation, and no specific medication is appropriate for everyone.
How can you calm extreme anger?
If you are experiencing an episode of extreme anger or aggression, there are some anger management techniques you can use to try to bring down the temperature. First, learn to recognize when anger or aggression is building so that you can try to head it off before it becomes too strong. Next, learn to use cognitive restructuring techniques, such as avoiding words like “never” or “always”. You can also use relaxation techniques like deep breathing practices, visualization, mantra, or meditation. It is also important to avoid alcohol and lessen your caffeine intake if use is exacerbating symptoms.
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