(Also Known As: Anger Management Diagnosis, Anger Diagnosis, Stress Management Diagnosis, Rage Diagnosis, Impulsive Control Disorder Diagnosis)
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorder (DSM-IV) the following major criteria must be met in order to diagnose impulse control disorder such as intermittent explosive disorder:
The degree of aggressive response and behavior is completely out of proportion from the precipitating event or stressors.
Multiple incidents where the individual failed to resist their aggressive impulse resulting in deliberate damage to property and causing harm to others.
The episodes of aggressiveness are not accounted for by another mental disorder and are not due to the effects of any medical condition or drugs.
When diagnosing, it is important that other mental disorders should be ruled out such as delirium, antisocial personality disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, panic attack, withdrawal or intoxication, and schizophrenia. Differential diagnosis is important since aggressive behavior can be manifested in the context of other mental disorders. 4
Intermittent Explosive Disorder Diagnosis (This Page)