The Symptoms of an Anger Disorder

Unhealthy anger comes in many forms, not just in violent outbursts as many expect. While many people with anger disorders act out through yelling and physical violence, anger disorders can also come out in passive ways. Patients who experience passive disordered anger may engage in self destructive actions, excessive sarcasm, or apathy.

Symptoms of Anger Disorder:

Suppressed rage

Constant focus on the negative

Acting out violently

Engaging in the destruction of property

Threatening others

Driving recklessly

Arguing with others constantly

Heightened irritability

Forcing others to tread carefully

Given the violence inherent to some anger disorders, there are often victims who suffer at the hands of those with this mental health issue. While disordered anger is a symptom of a disease, victims should seek help for themselves and not use the disease to excuse the person’s actions against them.

Anger is related to the “fight, flight, or freeze” response of the sympathetic nervous system; it prepares humans to fight. But fighting doesn't necessarily mean throwing punches.

It might motivate communities to combat injustice by changing laws or enforcing new norms. Of course, anger too easily or frequently mobilized can undermine relationships or damage physical health in the long term.

Prolonged release of the stress hormones that accompany anger can destroy neurons in areas of the brain associated with judgment and short-term memory, and weaken the immune system.

For those who struggle with chronic anger, or for those who only experience occasional outbursts, learning skills to identify and navigate this powerful emotion can lead to growth and change.