IS IT OVER THE TOP? Swearing at the driver who cut you off may be a normal reaction. But when mild irritations lead to frequent, intense outbursts, you may have what psychologists call intermittent explosive disorder (IED). A study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that at least 1 in every 20 people suffer from it. IED is an aggressive over-reaction to everyday stress, and may be a cause of severe cases of road and air rage. “It’s distinguished from normal anger by its severity, its controllability, its frequency, and its triggers,” explains Harvard Medical School’s Ronald C. Kessler, PhD, lead author of the study. These “anger attacks” can hurt your health, job, and social life.
Should you be worried? Take note of how intensely you feel the urge to lash out at someone who angers you. If upsets cause you to hurt people or break things, that’s too much. Mention these feelings and reactions to your doctor, who may recommend treatment with relaxation techniques, therapy, and/or medication. Don’t get mad. Get help.
CARSMNARTS Meanwhile, try to reduce stress on the road by chewing some peppermint or cinnamon gum. According to one study at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, both scents kept them calmer and more alert. Nose receptors beeline to the parts of your brain controlling attention and motivation, and they seem to be triggered by these fragrances. The smells probably can make driving sager and more enjoyable, particularly no long trips, he adds.
If gum isn’t your thing, try an air or breath freshener. It beats leaning on the horn.
Manifestations Of Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Previous post: What Are Some Long And Short Term Effects Of Smoking?
Next post: Neurobics And Mild Cognitive Impairment
