What is Mental Anger Problems

Anger is a natural, impulsive response to threats. Sometimes anger is compulsory for our survival.

 

Anger usually becomes a problem when you have difficulty in controlling it, causing you to do or say you regret after sometime.

 

According to American Psychological Association, mental anger problems has linked with discomforts in older adults. This  may also lead to various chronic diseases.

 

Anger seems to impact more men than the women, and it is  more common among younger adults.

 

This article looks at the causes, signs and symptoms, types, diagnosis and management of mental anger problems.

Causes of mental anger problems

Various factors lead to mental anger problems. These factors may be internal and external.

 

Internal factors may include mental  depression, instability, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcoholism, and grief. While external factors include situations that cause anxiety or stress, financial and professional issues, or problems associated with family and relationships.

 

Depression

Anger may be a symptom of depression, which is defined as loss of interest and  ongoing feelings of sadness lasting at least for two weeks.

 

Mental anger problems can be hidden or even overtly expressed. The intensity of anger problems and how it is expressed may vary from one person to another.

 

If someone has depression, he may experience other symptoms such as:

• irritability

• feelings of hopelessness

• loss of energy

• thoughts of self-harm and suicide

 

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a anxiety disorder which is characterized by obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior. A person with OCD has disturbing, unwanted thoughts, or images that cause them to perform something constantly.

 

For example, they usually perform certain acts, such as repeating a word or phrase, counting a number, because of an irrational belief that if they do not do that something bad will happen.

 

A study in 2011 showed that anger is a common symptom of OCD. It usually affects half of people with obsessive compulsive disorder.

 

Anger also results from irritation with your inability to prevent compulsive behaviors or obsessive thoughts, or from having something or someone that interfere with your capability to carry out a certain habit.

 

Alcohol abuse

Some research shows that consuming alcohol may increase aggression. In the United States, alcohol is a leading factor in committing approximately half of all intense crimes.

 

Alcoholism or alcohol abuse, defined as drinking too much alcohol at once or frequently.

 

Alcohol impacts your capability to make useful decisions and think clearly . It impacts your impulse control and may make it difficult for you to control your emotions.

 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A person experiencing ADHD may have variations in brain activity and development that affect ability to pay attention, sit still, and self-control. This disorder usually occurs in approximately 9% of 13-18 year olds. Some individuals are not diagnosed until their adulthood, which is referred to as adult  ADHD.

 

Short temper and mental anger problems can also occur in individuals  of all age groups with ADHD. Other symptoms may include:

 

• problems focusing

• restlessness

• poor planning skills and time management

 

Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is generally a behavioral disorder which affects 1-16% of school age children. Common symptoms of ODD may include:

 

• hot temper

• anger

• irritability

Children with this disease are often easily irritated by others. They may be argumentative and  defiant.

 

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual changes in the mood, activity level, energy and concentration of a person.

 

These extreme mood shifts may range from mania to depression, although not every individual with this disorder will go through depression. Many people with bipolar disorder may face periods of irritability, anger, and rage.

 

In a manic episode, a person may:

• feel euphoric

• be easily agitated

• have racing thoughts

• engage in reckless or impulsive behavior

During depressive episode, individual may:

• lose interest in the things once he enjoyed

• feel hopeless, sad, or tearful

• have suicidal thoughts

 

Intermittent explosive disorder

An individual with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) has frequent episodes of impulsive, aggressive, or violent behavior. They usually overreact to circumstances with an angry outbreak that triggered them and may cause distress.

 

Episodes generally last less than 30 minutes and come on without even warning. People with this disorder may feel angry and irritable most of the time.

 

Some common behaviors may include:

• arguments

• fighting

• temper tantrums

• physical violence

• throwing things

People with IED feel embarrassed or remorseful even after an episode.

 

Grief

Mental anger problems is one of the stages of grief. Grief may come from a divorce or breakup, death of a loved one, or losing a job. The anger problem may be directed at the individual who died, anyone else involved in an inanimate object, or the event.

 

Other symptoms of grief also include:

• guilt

• sadness

• loneliness

• numbness

• guilt

• Fear

 

Circumstances or events which cause an angry explosion in one individual may not affect another person at all.

 

People might experience anger if they feel:

• attacked or threatened

• invalidated or unfairly treated

• deceived

• powerless or frustrated

• disrespected

 

Situations which may fueled feelings that lead to mental anger problems include:

 

• problems which are caused by a specific person, such as a partner, friend, coworker, or family member

• frustrating events, like having a fight, being stuck in a traffic jam, or having a flight canceled

• personal issues that cause extreme ruminating or worry

• memories of infuriating or traumatic events

• physical and psychological pain

• environmental conditions, like uncomfortable temperatures

• feeling that goals can not be achievable

• personal offense due to rejections, unfair treatment, insults, and criticism

 

Mental anger problems can also play an important role in grief. Many individuals feel angry when they are dealing with the loss of a close friend,  a partner, or family member.

Why do I get so angry over little things?

It is common to feel irritable sometimes, but if you feel irritable or irritable unusually on edge or all the time, it is necessary that you should talk to your health care provider as it could be a symptom of a psychological condition, like bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, or a physical condition.

 

Signs and symptoms of anger

Mental anger problems can cause various symptoms. It might affect how you feel mentally or physically, or how you behave with others.

 

Some people generally become irritable and aggressive towards others when they are angry. Other individuals hide their anger and may take it out on themselves.

 

Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize when anger issues are the reason why you are acting differently.

 

Physical symptoms

• clenching your fists

• faster heartbeat

• tense muscles

• tightness in chest

• feeling hot

 

Mental symptoms

• being easily irritated

• feeling humiliated

• feeling nervous or tense

• being unable to relax

• resenting other people

 

Changes in behavior

• shouting

• self harming

• sulking or ignoring people

• starting fights

• breaking things

 

Types of Mental anger Issues

Anger can be shown in many different ways and have different degrees of intensity. Following are types of mental anger issues:

 

Inward Anger

Inward anger is directed internally and may include depressing and dark  thoughts and negative self talk. Punishing yourself is generally associated with this type of anger, like refusing yourself to do things you once enjoyed, like working out or watching television. It may even deny yourself basic needs like water and food.

 

Outward Anger

This type of anger involves expressing your anger physically or verbally toward things and other people. It can include attacking other people or breaking things, as well as cursing and shouting.

 

Passive Anger

Passive anger is also known as passive-aggressive behavior, this may include actions such as being degrading or sarcastic toward others, giving others sulking and the silent treatment.

 

Diagnosis of mental anger issues

Anger issues itself are not classified as a psychological disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Due to this  reason, there is no diagnostic criteria for anger issues.

 

However, anger may cause many mental health conditions, such as:

• anxiety

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• bipolar disorder

• antisocial personality disorder

• borderline personality disorder

• conduct disorder

• depression

• intermittent explosive disorder

• narcissistic personality disorder

• obsessive-compulsive disorder

• oppositional defiant disorder

• schizophrenia

 

Feeling angry is not always a symptom of a mental illness, but talking to a doctor may help a person to determine the underlying issue or cause.

 

Management strategies

Every person has a specific reaction to anger, but some strategies and  techniques can help to ensure that anger does not get out of control.

 

Strategies to manage anger include:

 

Recognizing warning signs

Being aware of changes in the emotions, body, and behaviors that result from anger, may help someone determine how they want to react to circumstances before they act.

 

Pausing before reacting

Running away from the incident may give the individual some time to think and control himself.

 

Counting to 10

Taking some seconds to count slowly from 1-10 can reduce the severity of anger.

 

Releasing tension in body

To release tension, unclench your jaw, drop shoulders, and uncross your arms and legs. Roll your shoulders back and then stretch your neck to either side if you are holding tension here.

 

Listening

It may be easy to jump to conclusions when you are angry. If having a fight or heated discussion, take some time to relax and listen before reacting.

 

Exercising

Performing cardiovascular exercises such as cycling, running, or swimming can help release energy that might otherwise become anger and aggression.

 

Finding a distraction

Writing a journal, dancing, listening to music, going for a walk or taking a shower can all help to avoid anger from stress.

 

Changing negative thought patterns

In the heat of the moment, the situation may seem much worse than in reality. A method which is called cognitive restructuring can help people to challenge and replace their negative and angry thoughts with positive ones.

 

Using relaxation techniques

Using relaxation techniques such as exercise, visualization, tai chi, massage, and slow breathing techniques can help relieve feelings of anger.

 

When to see a doctor

When the anger of a person is affecting their work, relationships, and other areas of life, they should seek advice from a physician.

 

Pointers that show anger has become a problem usually include:

• frequently expressing anger through destructive or disruptive or behavior

• Anger leaves a negative impact on physical and mental health

• experiencing anger regularly than other emotions

 

Disruptive ways in which a person might express anger generally include:

 

Aggression and violence

This includes throwing things, shouting, swearing, threatening, and being verbally abusive, or physically violent.

 

Internal aggression

This can include not-eating, self-harming, self-hatred, and isolation.

 

Passive aggression

This can include refusing to do basic tasks, ignoring people, and being sardonic but not saying anything aggressive or angry.

 

In all the above cases, it is necessary to get professional support and treatment. Expressing anger through violation and aggression can harm family relationships, friendships, and relationships with colleagues, and it may have extreme consequences.

 

Treatment and therapy

A family doctor will make a checkup and determine whether difficulties of a person with anger are linked to a mental health issue or a physical condition.

 

If it is a psychological concern, a doctor will likely refer the person to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor.

 

Making an in-depth diagnosis may help them recommend the best options of treatment.

 

Possible treatments that help in anger management include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy

• psychotherapy

• counseling

• anger management classes

 

Summary

Anger is a normal human emotion which every person experiences at some stages in their lives. Sometimes, it may even motivate individuals to make necessary improvements in their lives or right wrongs.

 

Common generators for anger may include events, circumstances, and people that an individual perceives as disrespectful, frustrating, threatening, deceiving, or frustrating.

 

A number of resources are feasible to help people manage mental anger issues , such as anger management classes and talking therapies.