Often when anxiety is left unacknowledged and unexpressed, it can turn into frustration, which can lead to anger. When anxiety turns to anger, it is because an individual who expresses anger will have an underlying fear about something in their life.
While anger is not commonly a symptom that is associated with anxiety, there is evidence to suggest that when a person has an anxiety disorder, the rate and intensity of their anger can increase [source].
Anxiety disorder is more likely to result in anger than plain old anxiety because there's a build-up of stress over a prolonged period. For example, someone with Social Anxiety Disorder may become frustrated with someone if they steer the anxious individual toward an uncomfortable social environment.
Overview. Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an often overlooked mental disorder identified by episodes of anger, sudden outbursts in which the person loses control entirely. This mental disorder usually begins in childhood or adolescence. Most people continue to experience it later in their life, though.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an impulse-control disorder characterized by sudden episodes of unwarranted anger. The disorder is typified by hostility, impulsivity, and recurrent aggressive outbursts. People with IED essentially “explode” into a rage despite a lack of apparent provocation or reason.
And often, when someone is scared or worried about something, they could turn to anger to feel more in control of their situation. In relationships, she adds, those with social anxiety can also start arguments (sometimes on purpose) with their partners, knowing they could get out of social situations.
Yelling Can Lead to Depression
Many studies show a strong connection between emotional abuse and depression or anxiety. These symptoms can worsen behavior and even cause self-destructive habits, like substance misuse or risk-taking behaviors.
SSRIs that have been shown to help with anger include citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), among others. Sertraline seems to have the most supporting data. Other classes of antidepressants, like serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), aren't widely used for treating anger.
Anxiety disorders are a type of mental health condition. Anxiety makes it difficult to get through your day. Symptoms include feelings of nervousness, panic and fear as well as sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Treatments include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Anxiety is fear and unease due to a perceived threat that hasn't yet happened. Anger is reactive and occurs in response to a threat, but it's often paired with a sense of feeling you or someone you observed being wronged.
Dr. Stern says that an occasional meltdown is completely normal. “You may suddenly burst into tears or lash out with anger because you feel out of control, overwhelmed with pressures and things in your life that are unpredictable. That doesn't mean something is 'wrong' with you,” she says.
1. “It's All In Your Head” So is everything. Reminding a person suffering from an anxiety attack that the anxious thoughts and threat they perceive isn't congruent with reality is just not going to help – they likely know this already.
At the very least, you might not be able to attribute “rude” behavior to anxiety. Unfortunately, this is often the case for people with anxiety. Their mental health disorder causes them to act in a way that appears inappropriate or rude to others.
Egger adds that the phrase “calm down” implies that your friend or loved one is choosing not to be calm or that they're choosing to feel anxious, when in reality their condition makes it extremely difficult for them to feel calm. As a result, this phrase can cause them to feel ashamed, powerless, and alone.
Anxiety can also affect your behaviour. You may withdraw from friends and family, feel unable to go to work, or avoid certain places. While avoiding situations can give you short-term relief, the anxiety often returns the next time you're in the situation.
Different types of medications may help in the treatment of intermittent explosive disorder. These may include certain antidepressants — specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — anticonvulsant mood stabilizers or other drugs if needed.
When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.
It could be something as simple as being hungry or tired. Or, maybe something recently happened in your life that has you feeling scared, angry, or stressed out. Mental health struggles can also make you irritable, so if you haven't taken one of our mental health test yet, try that.