Do I Have Intermittent Explosive Disorder?

Take this quiz to find out.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a mental condition that causes someone to have frequent, sudden, and intense outbursts of anger that they often can’t explain. If that sounds familiar, we’re here to help.

Answer these quick questions about your experiences with anger, and we’ll tell you if you might be experiencing IED.

(Note: This is a casual online self-assessment. Talk to a therapist or psychiatrist for a full, official diagnosis.)

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Questions Overview

1. Has your anger ever caused you to damage objects or property?
  1. Yes, frequently.
  2. Yes, sometimes.
  3. No, not really. Or, I don't remember.
2. Have other people in your life expressed concern about the intensity of your anger?
  1. Yes, frequently.
  2. Yes, sometimes.
  3. No, not really. Or, I don't remember.
3. When you have an anger episode, how long does it usually last?
  1. Less than 30 minutes
  2. 30+ minutes
  3. I'm not sure
4. On a scale from 1-10, 10 being most intense, how intense are your anger episodes, usually?
  1. 7-10
  2. 4-6
  3. 1-3
  4. I'm not sure
5. How do you usually feel when your anger fades?
  1. Embarrassed or apologetic
  2. Frustrated and bitter
  3. Tired and drained
  4. I'm not sure
6. Do you feel that your anger gets in the way of your personal or professional life?
  1. Yes, it's hard for me to hold jobs or relationships.
  2. Somewhat, but I can navigate it, with some difficulty.
  3. Not really. My anger doesn't interfere that much.
7. How often do you experience angry outbursts? (Choose the nearest option.)
  1. Multiple times a day
  2. Multiple times a week
  3. Multiple times a month
  4. Rarely
8. How often do you have heated, verbal arguments with others? (Choose the nearest option.)
  1. Multiple times a day
  2. Multiple times a week
  3. Multiple times a month
  4. Rarely
9. When you become angry, does it take you by surprise, or is it expected?
  1. My own anger often surprises me. I can't predict it.
  2. My anger usually has a gradual buildup.
  3. A mix of both.
  4. I'm not sure.
10. Have you ever been told that you're overreacting to a situation?
  1. Yes, often
  2. Yes, sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. Never
11. Have you ever tried to treat your anger with medication or substances?
  1. Yes, and it didn't work.
  2. Yes, and it worked somewhat.
  3. Yes, and it worked.
  4. No.

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All About Intermittent Explosive Disorder

What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)?
IED is a psychological condition characterized by frequent, sudden, unplanned, and intense outbursts of anger, which are often unprovoked.

What causes Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
IED is often genetic, and experts estimate that 44-72% of cases are inherited through genes. Not all cases are genetic, though. IED can manifest through biological changes, like brain trauma or hormone imbalances. IED can also be caused by experiences like trauma.

What triggers Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
The trademark of IED is that the outbursts are often unprovoked and unexpected, meaning nothing in particular may trigger them. That said, they may be triggered by common frustrations or triggering thoughts linked to trauma.

Symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder:

  • Tantrums
  • Road rage
  • Arguments
  • Physical assault
  • Destroying property
  • Domestic violence
  • Irritability
  • Lack of communication
  • Adrenaline rushes
  • Tremors or quaking
  • Chest tightness or heart palpitations

How common is Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and who does it affect?
Experts estimate that up to 7% of people experience IED. People with IED are most often aged 6-40, and are most commonly male.

Is Intermittent Explosive Disorder treatable?
Yes! While a “cure” is not guaranteed, IED is commonly treated through therapy or psychotherapy. A professional mental healthcare provider works with a patient to identify causes and triggers, and come up with personalized strategies for handling sudden anger, like relaxation techniques, cognitive and behavioral adjustment, or finding healthier outlets for anger.

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  • Cahya B.

    Cahya B.

    May 14

    "I like how the questions are beneficial, and I can see how they apply to my life."
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