‘Intermittent explosive disorder’ affects 1 in 12 teens

A new study suggests that one in 12 teens suffers from intermittent explosive disorder, a mental disorder that causes them to fly into uncontrollable rage. 

These fits of rage differ from normal teenage angst, as they are often paired with violent outbursts towards property or people. 

Ronald Kessler, the lead researcher of the study and  professor of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School in Boston, told US News and World Report that, "This is one of the most common adolescent disorders in America, and the most important ignored disorder among youth in America." He also noted that this is an issue which can often go ignored by pediatricians. 

LiveScience noted that the anger and rage in those suffering from intermittent explosive disorder can be so severe that if ignored, it can continue on into adulthood and cause depression or more serious mental disorders. 

To be diagnosed with IED, a person must at any time in life have had three episodes of ''grossly out of proportion'' impulsive aggressiveness, the Telegraph reported. 

Kessler told the Telegraph that he hopes this new research will lead to more early interventions. ''If we can detect IED early and intervene with effective treatment right away, we can prevent a substantial amount of future violence perpetration and associated psychopathology.''

The National Post noted that critics of the study and the IED diagnosis are afraid it could trigger a “manufactured epidemic” among teens and lead normal teenage behavior being labeled as a mental illness requiring treatment and drugs.