Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Extreme Anger?

Angela Farrer
Angela Farrer

Extreme anger is a type of mental health issue that involves episodes of rage and uncontrolled emotional outbursts. A characteristic of this anger issue is that it can become severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life and with personal relationships. Causes of anger are common throughout various normal daily activities, but people with an extreme anger problem tend to let this emotion overwhelm them. This issue can even lead to additional behavioral problems that have legal consequences, including domestic violence and other kinds of physical assaults. Dealing with extreme anger often entails completing psychological counseling focused on anger management techniques.

The effects and consequences of extreme anger are usually immediate and noticeable. Frequent angry and abusive outbursts can alienate family members, significant others, and friends. This usually creates long-lasting feelings of resentment and intimidation. Violent behavior tied to anger problems often leads to arrests, time spent in jail, and losses of both jobs and professional reputations. While some therapists believe that venting or expressing anger is healthy, this tactic can sometimes backfire in some people with extreme anger, and it usually gets them into deeper habits of becoming angry quickly.

Frequent anger and abuse can alienate coworkers.
Frequent anger and abuse can alienate coworkers.

Psychologists often report that the causes of extreme anger can vary from one person to the next. A common misconception is that quick tempers and aggressive behavior are hereditary, but both of these are learned behaviors that children usually mimic from their parents. Some people with anger-related difficulties may be suffering from chemical imbalances in the brain, so these individuals are usually screened by a physician to rule out anger causes that are purely psychological. Overcoming an unhealthy anger problem with a psychological cause is generally not a quick or easy process. It normally takes concentrated efforts to alter specific ways of thinking and of perceiving the world at large.

Difficulty with controlling anger can lead to high blood pressure.
Difficulty with controlling anger can lead to high blood pressure.

Therapies for extreme anger often entail group meetings with others who suffer from the same problems with controlling and managing their anger. Ways of treating explosive anger can also include various meditation or self hypnosis techniques. Some individuals with violent tendencies accompanying their anger see improvements from taking prescribed medications normally used to treat depression or anxiety. Psychologists and doctors usually do not view these medications as cure-all's. Many medical professionals stress that combinations of medications and behavioral modification therapies are the most effective at treating cases of extreme anger in many people.

Discussion Comments

anon332916

Please someone help me. I am only 15 years old and I am always angry. I never feel happy just anger all the time. I can't do anything. Please help me. It hurts to control it.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Frequent anger and abuse can alienate coworkers.
      By: gstockstudio
      Frequent anger and abuse can alienate coworkers.
    • Difficulty with controlling anger can lead to high blood pressure.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Difficulty with controlling anger can lead to high blood pressure.
    • Extreme anger may lead to physical violence if not dealt with.
      By: Monkey Business
      Extreme anger may lead to physical violence if not dealt with.
    • Extreme anger frequently leads to rage and emotional outbursts.
      By: olly
      Extreme anger frequently leads to rage and emotional outbursts.
    • Someone who doesn't deal with their extreme behavior may be abusive towards their partner.
      By: Anatoly Tiplyashin
      Someone who doesn't deal with their extreme behavior may be abusive towards their partner.
    • Extreme anger can often come from feelings of resentment or betrayal.
      By: Mehmet Dilsiz
      Extreme anger can often come from feelings of resentment or betrayal.
    • Therapy is available for those with anger issues.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Therapy is available for those with anger issues.
    • The causes of extreme anger can vary from one person to the next.
      By: mast3r
      The causes of extreme anger can vary from one person to the next.