Which pattern describes episodes in intermittent explosive disorder?

Which pattern describes episodes in intermittent explosive disorder?

• A. Chronic irritability with constant aggression
• B. Persistent aggression without remission
• C. Episodes of sudden explosive anger followed by calm
• D. Continuous, unprovoked aggression

Answer: (C)

Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by discrete, sudden outbursts of aggressive impulses that are out of proportion to the situation, with periods of calm in between. The best description is episodes of sudden explosive anger followed by calm because it captures the episodic nature of the disorder: intense anger and aggression erupt, then the person returns to a baseline state until the next outburst. The other patterns describe constant or continuous aggression, which isn’t how these outbursts occur in IED. Between episodes, functioning can be relatively normal, reinforcing that the aggression comes in bursts rather than being constant.

Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by discrete, sudden outbursts of aggressive impulses that are out of proportion to the situation, with periods of calm in between. The best description is episodes of sudden explosive anger followed by calm because it captures the episodic nature of the disorder: intense anger and aggression erupt, then the person returns to a baseline state until the next outburst. The other patterns describe constant or continuous aggression, which isn’t how these outbursts occur in IED. Between episodes, functioning can be relatively normal, reinforcing that the aggression comes in bursts rather than being constant.