Expert Explains Serious Disorder That Causes Adult Tantrums
By Rahel Solomon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Public cameras and social media have made images of adults throwing apparent temper tantrums more common, but doctors say a serious disorder could be to blame.
"I think we all react to stressors, but I think when someone is out of control, they react disproportionately to what's bothering them and it happens again, and again," said Dr. Charles Altman, the Chief of Psychiatry at Chestnut Hill Hospital, adding that consistent disproportionate overreaction could be a sign of intermittent explosive disorder, or IED.
Roger Heater tells Eyewitness News he has been struggling with the disorder for decades and began exhibiting angry and violent behavior as young as 3-years-old.
"When I threw a temper tantrum, it would involve banging my head on the floor until I cracked it open, she would have to grab me," Heater said referring to his mother.
Heater says the behavior escalated as he aged.
"You're calm, very very calm and then the smallest thing makes you rage to the highest," Heater said.
Dr. Altman said treatment often includes cognitive behavioral therapy where the person learns what their triggers are and also how to cope with everyday stress, something Heater says is helping him.
"What I've done is taken years to try to teach myself to become aware of it and now I do have control of it," Heater said.
Experts estimate about five percent of people have intermittent explosive disorder.
"So in a room of 20 people someone is probably suffering with this disorder but it's probably not recognized," said Dr. Altman, adding the first step for those who think they may have the disorder is to contact their family doctor and get evaluated.
Heater has started a website to help others dealing with IED.
