|  | Mental Health | Bipolar Disorder

Rage in Bipolar Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), which is sometimes called rage disorder, may overlap bipolar disorder.

  1. Episodes

    • Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental disorder characterized by unpredictable and extreme mood swings, known as episodes. Bipolar disorder involves some degree of alternating manic and depressive episodes.

    Manic

    • Manic episodes may involve overly excited or agitated and angry moods. Symptoms of a manic episode may involve rapid speech, inflated self-esteem, explosive outbursts and impulsive, risky behavior.

    Depressive

    • A depressive episode may involve worried, sad and hopeless moods. Symptoms may include loss of interest in pleasurable activities, fatigue and changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

    Rage

    • Rage disorder (IED) is characterized by unexpected outbursts of anger and impulsive aggressive behavior. Research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that IED may predispose toward anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as drug abuse.

    Treatment

    • Lithium and other mood stabilizing drugs may be an effective treatment for IED and bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder - Related Articles