What disorder involves an inability to control strong angry feelings and leads to violent behaviors?

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of impulsive, aggressive behavioral outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation at hand. Individuals with this disorder often struggle to control their anger and may exhibit violent behaviors, which can include physical aggression toward people or property. These outbursts can result in significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The key element of Intermittent Explosive Disorder is the recurring nature of these explosive episodes, which are not premeditated and often occur in situations where the trigger does not merit such a strong reaction. This distinguishes it from other disorders, as the focus is primarily on anger management and the explosive nature of these acts.

In contrast, other disorders listed may involve symptoms of aggression or emotional dysregulation but do not specifically encapsulate the near-constant difficulty in managing outbursts of anger as seen in Intermittent Explosive Disorder. For instance, Conduct Disorder involves a pattern of behavior that violates societal norms and rights of others, but it is broader and includes behaviors that are more calculated or planned. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is primarily characterized by persistent irritability and temper outbursts but is not specifically tied to violent behavior.