2017-04-22 21:34:52
The so-called intermittent explosive disorder is considered an impulse control disorder that is characterized by outbursts of anger and aggression that are disproportionate to the situation that triggers them, such as a badly called penalty, or breaking a plate. The explosions of anger are not premeditated, and they do not pursue any purpose that benefits the one who manifests them.
What causes this unpredictable aggressive behavior, which can be both verbal and physical, in unimportant situations? Studies carried out to date with some of the tens of millions of people affected by this disorder in the world indicate that they suffer from abnormal serotonin metabolism. Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters in the nervous system and its levels are generally associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.
Current research suggests that one of the genes responsible for this disorder is that it produces the enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase. Tryptophan is an amino acid, a component of the proteins we eat in the diet (eggs, fish and cheese are particularly rich in it), which is the precursor molecule for serotonin. The first chemical reaction leading to the generation of serotonin from tryptophan is the one catalyzed by this enzyme. Obviously, if tryptophan hydroxylase is not working as it should, the amount of serotonin produced will not be enough to generate an adequate sense of well-being. Of course, a deficiency of tryptophan in the diet could therefore, perhaps, affect our bad temper.
Most of the people tend to escape from an unpleasant situation using different strategies. Faced with the impossibility of controlling their impulsive behavior despite their best efforts, patients with intermittent impulsive disorder may be susceptible to falling victim to drug or alcohol abuse, as compensation for the low levels of serotonin they possess.
Indeed, a study carried out by researchers at the University of Chicago with 9,282 people affected by this disorder reveals that the greater the episodes of anger and rage, the greater the probability that these patients abuse alcohol and drugs.
More information on Jorge Laborda’s Blog. intermittent explosive disorder.
Referencia: Emil F. Coccaro, et al. (2017). Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: Analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Sample. J Clin Psychiatry 2017. 10.4088/JCP.15m10306.
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