Anger is a universal emotion, one of the commonest of human experiences. Everyone experiences feelings of anger and rage every now and then. Sometimes, however, anger gets out of control and affects the lives of those who struggle with controlling their anger, and those of the people around them. This form of anger can cause extreme amounts of distress for those afflicted, and at its worst, can come with serious consequences, such as ruined relationships and even criminal charges.
While out of control anger doesn't necessarily fall under one single diagnostic umbrella, there are some conditions that feature anger as a primary symptom. Intermittent explosive disorder is commonly attributed to adults who have trouble controlling their anger, while oppositional defiant disorder is typically applied to children with issues controlling their anger. Despite these diagnostic labels, it is entirely possible to have issues with out of control anger in the absence of a formal condition such as these. In such cases, seeking the help of a qualified professional, practicing healthy coping strategies, and finding a supportive group are all effective and helpful ways to help control anger.