Violent Behavior and Emotional Outbursts
Understanding Aggression
Aggression is defined as hostile or violent behavior with readiness to attack without being provoked. A person displaying aggressive and violent behavior may or may not have the intent to harm. The act of aggression doesn’t always stem from anger, either. Feelings of overstimulation or distraction can also be a cause.
Aggression is a common symptom associated with many mental health conditions. It may be correlated with exposure to family violence, which can include physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse of children or adults. It may present itself as a symptom in any of the following conditions:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Described as an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with development, ADHD does not look the same for every person and could even go undiagnosed depending on the symptoms and personality traits. Depending on the person, aggression may be a common symptom for ADHD accompanied by impulsivity and lack of awareness for others.
Bipolar Disorder (BP)
Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that includes three different diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder. Each type of bipolar disorder is classified by the severity of mood shifts in either mania or depression.
Episodes of depression, mania or hypomania can vary in length and intensity, making it difficult for people with bipolar disorder to manage their emotions. A physician will perform screening and testing to diagnose bipolar disorder and the type that a person has.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder usually look like one of two extremes. Symptoms of a depressive episode may include fatigue, feeling sad, lack of appetite, sleeping too much or too little, self-doubt or having suicidal thoughts. Symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes are intense feelings of happiness, self-importance, high energy, lack of sleep, impulsivity, aggression and risky behavior.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Oppositional defiant disorder is a behavioral disorder that causes defiant, uncooperative and rebellious behavior towards authority and others. Commonly diagnosed in childhood, ODD can cause displayed aggression or hostility to those around them (peers, parents, teachers).
Substance-Related Disorders
Addiction and substance use can lead to aggression and violence in a number of ways. Individuals dealing with substance-related disorders often suffer from confusion, insomnia and difficulty regulating emotions.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that impacts a person’s emotions and self-control. When a person is unable to regulate their emotions, they may face feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, impulsivity and impaired relationships. Symptoms of borderline personality disorder may include risk-taking behaviors, lack of restraint, anger, anxiety, depression, narcissism, aggression and thoughts of suicide.
How to Recognize It
Aggressive behavior may present itself in more than one way. It’s often accompanied by other troubling symptoms, like the following:
- Anxiety
- Mania
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Intrusive thoughts, violent thoughts
- Acting with intent to harm
A person experiencing aggressive thoughts may or may not display their behavior, making it more difficult to identify. However, you may begin to notice other symptoms that gradually lead to aggressive behavior, like harming another individual (i.e. domestic violence, picking fights in public, and so on).
It’s important to deal with aggressive behavior by staying away, staying calm and avoiding confrontation with the aggressor.
Treatment
Treatment for aggressive behavior depends on many factors, including prior diagnoses (if any). The mental health history of a person should be considered first, since that will likely determine the approach.
Therapy
Therapy can be a helpful tool in diagnosing and treating many mental health conditions. Not all therapeutic approaches are the same. Depending on a person’s diagnosis and personal needs, the following may be used:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Talk therapy focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors caused by psychological distress
- Anger management – Focuses on healthy coping mechanisms and emotional outlets to minimize outbursts
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Encourages changing negative thoughts and behaviors and focusing on self-acceptance
- Transference focused psychotherapy – An approach developed for a person who faces emotional instability that affects their mood, behavior and relationships
- Psychotherapy – General talk therapy for mental or behavioral disorders
- Family therapy – Psychotherapeutic counseling with loved ones to efficiently communicate and resolve conflicts
- Schema therapy – Combines elements of effective therapies and focuses on transforming negative thought or behavior patterns (schemas/beliefs) into more adaptive or functional beliefs that benefit the individual
Support Groups
There are many different kinds of support groups, and joining one can have many benefits. Support groups can be a comforting space for those who feel alone in their struggles with mental health challenges and aggressive behavior.
Being able to connect with others over a shared behavior or issue can help to lessen the burden and shame. In support group meetings, a person will learn healthy coping mechanisms and techniques to reduce aggression and ease the impact of their triggers.
Medication
For some, a proper treatment plan may require taking medication. Medications can be a helpful tool in treatment progression.
Lifestyle Changes
Implementing healthy habits can be the first step toward a more fulfilling life experience for anyone. Although it may require discipline, there are easy, risk-free ways to lessen mental stress and emotional reactivity. Try creating and sticking to a daily routine, staying organized, minimizing excess stimuli when you need to focus, and keeping your body active when possible.