Psychopathy and Intermittent Explosive Disorder

This video answers the question: What is the relationship between psychopathy and intermittent explosive disorder? Intermittent explosive disorder is a mental disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). This diagnosis involves recurrent behavioral outbursts. The aggression can be low intensity and high frequency or high intensity low frequency. These recurrent behavioral outbursts must be out of proportion to the level of provocation and they cannot be premeditated. They have to be impulsive or anger-based.
The distress or impairment and can't be better explained by another mental disorder including antisocial personality disorder, which of course has a relationship to psychopathy. It's important to note here that intermittent explosive disorder can still be comorbid with antisocial personality, there just can't have a situation where the recurrent behavioral outbursts are better explained by antisocial personality disorder or there would be no diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder, rather we would just see a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder assigned.
The most popular conceptualization of psychopathy involves two factors: factor 1 (primary psychopathy), which we could think of as callous/unemotional and characteristics like lack of empathy, remorse, guilt as well as superficial charm, deceitfulness, and grandiosity; factor 2 (secondary psychopathy) which we could also think of as the social deviant factor, here we have antisocial behavior, impulsivity, irresponsibility, lack of clear goals, and lack of behavioral controls.

Coccaro, E. F., Lee, R., & McCloskey, M. S. (2014). Relationship between psychopathy, aggression, anger, impulsivity, and intermittent explosive disorder. Aggressive Behavior, 40(6), 526–536.

[AlphaQHard]

When i get angry all my empathy goes away. Im usually very empathetic, but when im enraged i dont care about anything or anyone and im capable of hurting people i love.

[lilvirgo]

I lost my best friend due to this and wish i could explain to her its not me. Im realizing i may have this but never got checked out. Self evaluating myself i realize i dont have these often but it can make people lock you out their lives... for life. The feeling i get when going thru this is literally blacking out, no control of myself, its like a monster inside me thats been festering inside of me locked in a cage that i keep from coming out until a trigger happens then i just completely snap, in the moment its like you'renot feeling, you're not thinking, its just taking control of your whole being like a demon. As nerdish as this sounds(not to get carried away because this is a serious issue) its literally like how Gohan went ssj2 in that same manner except the stimuli may be small. I wish i wasnt this way, i have so much love in my heart, i grew up anti social. If anybody even cares to read this if you're going thru the same thing my prayers are for you, dont hate yourself it only worsens, talk to someone professional/unprofessional just get it out. Dont be me. One love.

[beverlycrittendon]

Ur videos helped me pass my licensure exam!

[kellyyork]

I saw an attorney once almost come across the table at an opposing attorney and his client when the judge stepped out of the room for a min. About 10 mins later, after the meeting with the judge, this same attorney was easygoing and laughing /talking about where to eat lunch. Psychopaths can turn it on and off and can use anger and aggression as a tool toward a goal or to get what they want. It is no more than skin deep in a true psychopath.

[saraervin]

It takes the smallest thing or nothing at all for me to have an episode, I black out and don’t even remember, and it comes out of nowhere. I’m scared I’m one day going to hurt someone. When I get truly angry tho, all empathy is gone, I study people and find their weak spots and what hurts them mentally and emotionally, then when they piss me off I go for it and can care less if what I say hurts them. I hate that part of me but sometimes people just deserve it

[ajybrahma]

I am facing serious criminal charges becasue of ied. It has ruined my life! Wished my nation was more open about pyschological problems.

[tashastarling]

Twice weekly for at least 3 months is high frequency?

What if it is daily? And a mix of intensity, from screaming to intimidation to destruction of objects?
Was lucky to get a week of peace growing up. Many murderous and contemptuous glares. Just beginning to really understand how unusual my upbringing was. I never hear of cases like it existing.

Thank you for all your videos and shedding light on some of these "commonly" shared and accepted conditions.

[LuvGodLuvPpl]

Can you do a video on Narcisisst and narcissistic rage and how it comes about? Thank you!

[pixell]

I really appreciate these highly informed videos Dr. Todd Grande. I was reading up on ASPD, and I came across the topic of the speculated “sub-types” of psychopathy. (narcissistic, borderline, sadistic, and antisocial.) A video exploring the validity of these sub-types and their emotional and cognitive manifestations in psychopathy (are certain sub-types more prone to anger, anxiety, etc) would be really interesting!

[HagakureJunkie]

This is me, to a T. I have psychopathic personality and IED. Diagnosed as a child. The drugs they gave me made everything worse. I found hard martial arts, especially muay thai and boxing as a way of being a sort of slow release. My outbursts are much much less. I've also learned to know my triggers and avoid situations, places and things that aggravate my situation. Unfortunately, I really have never let anyone get close in a relationship because I've been afraid I might hurt someone out of rage.

[DowntownTasty]

I had IED (both verbal and physically) during adolescence really badly. Now and then it still slips through especially if I haven't slept much. When I was older I was diagnosed with ASPD. My dad likely had BPD or HPD and my sister struggles with rage also and mood swings. The 3 of us have all struggled with substance abuse. Kinda interesting.

[angelachapman]

Im curious if medications could bring IED on?

[RegenerativeMind]

Thankyou, I did find this interesting. I suffered very badly with IED for many years. I think I definitely have the secondary psychopathy traits, but still have high empathy and emotional response, which makes me feel better. I have taken online tests and it would appears I have ADHD, and struggle with keeping my dopamine levels in the right range. I self medicate with alcohol and feel like my lead is close to the end of its adjustment.

[DestroAzureDx]

Unfortunately I grew up with a narcissistic grandmother and a schizophrenic aunt who also had quite the ego about her. When I would get angry, like I'm talking panting, mumbling imagining inficting bodily harm on others (I never did and still dont. I only get this angry with the two blood relatives I live with or bullies, I've never been this angry at ANYONE else) they would make fun of me. Call me ugly. Tell me I'm the child and they're the parent I'm supposed to listen. There was no compassion or understanding or even listening. They'd insult me compare me to other kids and neighbors. They'd even do this when I did well in school. I never got below an A I was on honor roll. I did martial arts well eventually mma but then she would embarrass me at stores whenever I asked for anything even as a fucking 4 year old.

I felt like my empathy ran out and the only time I talk with them now is with piercing logic but thier mental health has only gotten worse.

[thetruth]

I wonder if with intermittent explosive disorder whether these outbursts happen randomly or the person feels provoked. 🤔

[fifilafleur]

Dr. Grande, your videos are so informative and educational. Please keep them coming! Might I make a suggestion? One case that has fascinated me is the case of Paris Bennett, the young man who killed his little sister when he was 13 and has been diagnosed a psychopath. I saw where Piers Morgan interviewed him in prison. It was absolutely chilling and his eyes are so frightening and cold. Would enjoy hearing your thoughts on this highly disturbing case.

[sainiksefteri]

I have intensive violent outbursts against my family members due to economical loads that they have put on me, as well as frequent abandonments and insecurity feeling from childhood. What is the disorder that fit to my profile so as to delve more deeply?

[PLAGUENTONIUM]

Sadly I have this condition but I’m starting medication now

[pocoeagle]

Interesting video. Thank you Dr. Grande.

[m.f.richardson]

Always interesting
Thank you
Peace 💕🇺🇲