Anger Management

What is anger management?

Anger management is a treatment available at Doran that helps you manage your temper and control angry thoughts and behaviors. This treatment can enhance work or school performance and improve the interpersonal relationships of individuals with anger problems. The Doran team tailors anger management solutions based on your symptoms, specific needs, and goals.

What are the symptoms of anger management problems?

Anger management problems, also referred to as intermittent explosive disorder, are often characterized by the following symptoms:

• Intense anger
• Frequent irritability
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Physical or verbal aggression
• Being in fights frequently
• Restlessness
• Tension
• Increased or pounding heart rate
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Avoiding other people
• Social isolation
• Physical health problems
• Rage
• Irritably
• Shouting or yelling 
• Racing thoughts
• Chest tightness
• Temper tantrums
• Heated arguments

People with anger management concerns may have a difficult time holding down a job, interacting appropriately with other people, and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. They may feel guilty, embarrassed, or ashamed after angry outbursts.

What are the risk factors for anger management concerns?

While nearly everyone experiences anger from time to time, risk factors for poor anger management include:

• Family history of anger issues
• Past trauma or abuse
• Violent living environment
• Brain changes
• History of antisocial personality disorder or similar mental health conditions
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Alcohol or drug misuse

Some individuals have a genetic predisposition for a short temper, but they can learn to control anger with the help of the Doran team.

How are anger management problems diagnosed?

Your Doran provider meets with you in person or via telehealth to complete a comprehensive mental health evaluation and determine if you have anger management problems or other mental health concerns. 

They ask questions (using DSM-5-TR criteria) about your mood, thoughts, emotions, lifestyle, medical history, and behaviors to establish which treatment matches your personalized needs.

Which anger management solutions are available?

Your customized anger management treatment plan may consist of one or more of the following solutions:

• Medication management
• Lifestyle change counseling
• Nutrition counseling
• Psychotherapy 
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy 
• Couples therapy
• Group therapy
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Internal family systems therapy (IFS)
• Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Psychedelic integration therapy
• Ketamine therapy 

It’s helpful to complete therapy regularly, make healthy lifestyle adjustments, and take any prescribed medications to better control anger and optimize your quality of life. Call the Doran experts anytime throughout treatment with questions or concerns.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth anger management evaluation today at Doran by calling the office or booking an appointment online.