Does Explosive Anger in Teens Constitute a Mental Disorder?

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Outbursts of violence and anger that can be categorized as a mental health disorder. Harvard Medical School published a recent study defining the disorder, which has an 8 percent prevalence rate in teenagers. Although teenage angst is not uncommon, when a teen reaches a level of outbursts that cause physical injury or destruction of property, there is need for medical intervention. Ronald Kessler of Harvard says that it’s important for parents or peers to recognize signs of the disorder before it turns into depression, anxiety, or even substance abuse. The study found that of adolescents with IED, less than 7 percent are being treated. As is the case with most other disorders, catch it if you can. [Globe]