What is IED?

[Maryam]

Is IED a mental illness?

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health condition marked by frequent impulsive anger outbursts or aggression. The episodes are out of proportion to the situation that triggered them and cause significant distress.

I'm scared...I have IED..my fear of my  nightmare come true.

I'm beginning to deny it but symptoms are all there.

You'll be diagnosed with IED if you experience one of the following: verbal or physical aggression toward things, animals, or other people, twice a week (on average), within 3 months, which doesn't cause physical damage or injury. three aggressive outbursts that cause damage or injury, within 12 months.

I need to accept the fact that I am suffering from IED but must go through this journey to save myself and my love ones.

[Former-Member]

Hi there @Maryam,

Whilst I'm not a doctor, it sounds like IED would be classified as a mental health condition, and thus you're in the right place. The forums are home to people living with complex mental health conditions and their friends and family. Even us peer support workers have a lived experience of a complex mental health condition, so you're in good company 😊

I share this with you in the hope that it helps to make sense of the fear you may be experiencing...when I was facing my diagnosis I was terrified. I remember asking my therapist not to tell me for fear of what it could be. As it turns out, there was nothing to fear in the diagnosis because it was something I was already living most of my life with. A diagnosis is a classification of the symptoms you're already experiencing, along with an action plan for how to manage them. This can be a really good thing.

Is the diagnosis of IED something your treating specialist has mentioned, or something you suspect you might have based on your own research?

[Maryam]

My specialist had my assessment results and I'm still in denial. I need to accept it and not making excuses for myself.

[Former-Member]

Gotcha @Maryam, I'm really sorry you're sitting with this today. Did your specialist speak to you about how to live with the diagnosis and a plan moving forward?

[Maryam]

Hi there @Former-Member,

Not sure how to respond in this chat I'm getting there...

I was diagnosed by my specialist and because I'm still in denial I'm still looking for a second opinion. 

[Former-Member]

I think you're getting the hang of things here quickly, @Maryam 😊

I think it makes sense to seek a second opinion, particularly if you have any concerns or queries. You are your own best advocate, and it's great to see that you're taking care of yourself by seeking professional support, but also asking for another opinion so you can trust the diagnosis you've received.

Whilst I know you're feeling a lot of fear around the news, from where I sit you also demonstrate many values such as self-care, boundaries and empathy for others. I say this because no matter the final diagnosis, we are all more than the label we may be assigned 💜

[Maryam]

Thanks@Former-Member,

I have to go back to my GP and  discuss my care plan with my husband this will be overwhelming for me and medication..hmm medicine  ..not to sure.

[hanami]

Hi @Maryam 

I can understand why you're having strong feelings about the diagnosis. Know that we are all here for you. And as @Former-Member said you are much more than a label ❤️.  The thought of medication can be daunting too as we hear so much about negative side effects. I would say to find out as much as you can about medication you might be offered so you can make an informed decision. To me, knowledge is always power.

Talk to your husband, let him know all about it. My husband really doesn't understand my anxiety as he's never experienced anything like it but he always listens to me and just getting things out there can be such a help. 

Sending big hugs

Hanami 💮

[Maryam]

@hanami thank you so much.