Treatment for ADD Episodic Rage

The National Institutes of Mental Health reports that Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) affects an estimated 4.1 percent of adults and children. Some of those affected will suffer bouts of rage. A doctor can determine if a serious condition is present and recommend therapies or refer to another physician if needed.

Narrowing Down the Problem

• Many factors can influence behavior--psychological needs, environmental factors and underlying conditions. People need to adjust to and learn about a condition like ADD and come to an acceptance of it. For children, it is important to think about how long the behavior has been occurring and if it is more prevalent at school. Perhaps a learning disability is contributing to the outbursts. Other medical problems can cause moodiness as well, such as thyroid disorders and head injuries.

Getting to a Diagnosis

• If you have exhausted all the above alternatives, you will need psychiatric help to differentiate between possible conditions. While in this stage of questioning, you may hear terms such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, Tourette's disorder, conduct disorders or intermittent explosive disorder from school professionals or friends.

Pharmaceutical Treatment

• If a doctor determines that a child or an adult has a condition requiring medication, it may be for an unknown amount of time. Conditions like ODD usually do not require pharmaceutical treatment, but a diagnosis of bipolar disorder will necessitate medication of some kind that will be ongoing. However, the treatment will be different for adults than for children.

Drug Treatment for Children

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology (AACAP) notes that stimulants, mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants may help reduce negative behaviors and impulsiveness in children with ADD. Dr. Daniel Amen, Ph.D and author of several books on ADD and brain development, has identified two types of ADD through SPECT imaging that are prone to aggressive behavior. His research shows that for these types of ADD, a combination of drugs that includes newer antipsychotics may be necessary to deal with the ADD and the aggressive symptoms.

Drug Treatment for Adults

• Combinations of drugs are also often needed for adults, depending on the symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are medications used for depression, social phobia and anxiety disorders. SSRIs have fewer side effects than older antidepressants. Tricyclics are often prescribed for a few specific conditions. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the oldest class of antidepressant medications and are also used for anxiety disorders. However, people who take MAOIs cannot eat a variety of foods and beverages or take certain medications. High-potency benzodiazepines combat anxiety and have few side effects other than drowsiness.

Individual, Group and Family Therapy

• Often those with ADD have problems with self esteem, social skills and family relations. Individual and group psychotherapy can help them improve peer relations and self image. Family therapy can introduce family members to techniques to deal with episodic rage and issues due to their condition. The AACAP and NIMH suggest that medication and therapy work cooperatively in successful treatment.