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Excessive anger and irritability are among the most common of health problems. These problems can damage marriages, school careers, work, and friendships. Fortunately, excessive anger can almost always be improved by at least 80% with expert treatment.

Normal anger
Of course, not all anger is abnormal or a problem. When there is a logical reason for the anger; when the degree of anger is in proportion to the reason; and when the anger does not interfere with a mature response, then the anger is considered normal. It serves as a signal of a serious problem that should be dealt with.

Excessive anger
Signs that anger is excessive and a problem include:
·        Feeling angry or irritable most of the time
·        Feeling angry without a specific provocation
·        Becoming very angry due to small frustrations
·        Becoming physically violent when angry
·        Becoming verbally abusive when angry
·        Anger that interferes with sleep
·        Becoming angry almost every day
·        Repetitive negative consequences due to anger outbursts

There are many reasons for excessive anger. Let’s discuss a few of the most common.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
ADD is one of the most common causes of excess anger. With ADD the person reacts to minor frustrations with temper outbursts. The anger comes and goes quickly, usually without much “continuous” feeling of anger.

Excessive anger is usually just one of several other problems experienced by persons with ADD, including:
·        Short attention span for non-entertaining
      but important activities
·        Quick boredom
·        Difficulty listening well
      (daydreams during class lecture; inattentive to wife)
·        Poor memory for non-entertaining tasks (forgets to
      turn in completed homework; forgets two of
      three items on a to-do list)
·        Puts off tasks to the last minute
·        Starts many projects, but leaves
      most unfinished
·        Poor memory of what was read
      (cannot answer questions over reading material)
·        Poor impulse control (speaks or acts too
      quickly without thinking through the consequences)
·        Impatience and intolerance of waiting
·        Irritability and angry outbursts
·        Brief, sudden “mood swings;” gets overly excited,
      or overly “down” or angry
·        Fidgety, restless, hyperactive

Persons with ADD have at least four of these symptoms, and most will have had some problem with them since childhood (although problems may be worse in adulthood with increased stress). The symptoms tend not to come and go, but are typical of the person’s “normal personality.”

ADD is usually due to genetic causes resulting in low dopamine functioning in the front of the brain, although it occasionally arises with no family history of ADD.

ADD is very treatable, with at least 80% improvement in most cases. Medications to increase the normal biochemical dopamine are the most powerful treatment for ADD. These medications are safe at all ages. Effective treatment of the ADD usually relieves 80% to 90% of the problem with excessive anger.

For more information on ADD, please see our handout Attention Deficit Disorder.

Clinical Depression
Clinical depression may be even more common than ADD as a cause of excessive anger. Here, the person typically feels angry or irritated most of the time with a feeling of “pent-up anger.” Others can perceive the anger in tone of voice and body language. Occasionally the person will vent the anger with a minor provocation.

Usually, clinical depression comes and goes, although it may persist for many months at a time. Some persons suffer from clinical depression for years or even lifelong. Other symptoms of clinical depression include:
·        A feeling of sadness or a “blue” feeling
·        Tiredness, fatigue
·        Irritability, excessive anger, temper outbursts
·        Low self-esteem, self-criticism
·        Too tearful, excessive crying
·        Loss of motivation, low enthusiasm
·        Loss of enjoyment, little fun, little pleasure
·        A sense of hopelessness, no way improve things
·        Sleep disorders—too little or too much
·        Appetite disorders—too much or too little
·        Withdrawal from family, friends, co-workers
·        Poor concentration, difficulty making decisions
·        Loss of creativity, difficulty solving problems
·        Anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks
·        Unsatisfying relationships
·        Chronic aches and pains, gastrointestinal disorders
·        Premenstrual symptoms, PMS
·        Loss of sex drive or sexual enjoyment
·        Increased alcohol or drug use
·        Work or career stagnation or failure
·        Suicidal thoughts or wishes for death

Clinical depression is usually due to genetically low function of the brain biochemicals serotonin or norepinephrine. When problems don’t arise until after age 40 years, the main cause may be excessive stress that interferes with serotonin and norepinephrine.

Clinical depression is very treatable with safe, non-addictive medications that increase the levels of serotonin or norepinephrine. Treatment usually improves excess anger by 80% to 90%.

For more information on clinical depression, see our brochure Clinical Depression.

Personality types
Some personalities are prone to excessive anger. Persons who have a high need for orderliness, punctuality, and control are prone to excessive anger. Persons who are easily offended or slighted are also prone to excessive anger. Persons who have a very impulsive personality are prone to excessive anger.

Personality-based excessive anger can also be treated successfully with medications. These medications are safe and non-addictive.

Should you seek an evaluation?
If you, or your loved-one, suffer from excessive anger for more than 3 weeks in a row, then you should seek an evaluation.
Carefully read the symptoms of ADD and clinical depression. If more than 3 symptoms are present most of the time, you should seek an evaluation.If excessive anger is damaging your marriage or job, you should seek an evaluation.

Does insurance cover treatment?
Most of the time, excessive anger will be due to a condition that is covered by your health insurance.

About Tate Healthcare Specialists
Founded in 1993, THS treats conditions due to brain chemical imbalances. Through a combination of medications and counseling the clinicians at THS treat overweight, ADD, clinical depression, anxiety, and Alzheimers.

Our philosophy is to use state-of-the-art skills and to give great customer service, combined with high-level public education.

By the way, an independent audit recently showed that the total cost of treatment at Tate Healthcare Specialists is 35% less than the Arkansas statewide average. I believe this is because we are more accurate in our evaluation and diagnosis and we use state-of-the-art treatment. Most health insurance will reimburse 50% to 80% of our fee.

Call 800-889-4319 today for more information or to make an appointment. You can also request an appointment by clicking Request an Appointment. Or Click Free Symptom Analysis for free feedback about your symptoms. Do it today!