Differential Diagnosis for Disorder Involving Anger Management or Rage Issues

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): Characterized by recurrent, problematic, and impulsive aggression, this disorder is the most direct match for symptoms of anger management or rage issues. It involves verbal or physical outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Individuals with BPD often exhibit intense anger, impulsivity, and mood swings, which can manifest as rage issues or difficulties with anger management.
• Conduct Disorder: This disorder, typically diagnosed in children and adolescents, involves a pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated, often including aggressive behavior.
• Substance-Induced Mood Disorder: Certain substances can induce irritability, aggression, and rage as part of their intoxication or withdrawal effects.
• Bipolar Disorder: During manic or mixed episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder may exhibit irritability and aggressive behavior.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Certain types of TBI, especially those affecting the frontal lobe, can lead to significant changes in personality, including increased aggression and rage.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases (e.g., Frontotemporal Dementia): These conditions can cause significant changes in behavior, including aggression and loss of impulse control, as the disease progresses.
• Hypothyroidism: Severe, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to mood changes, including irritability and potentially rage.
• Sleep Disorders: Chronic sleep deprivation or certain sleep disorders can significantly affect mood regulation, leading to increased irritability and anger.

Rare Diagnoses

• Kluver-Bucy Syndrome: A rare condition, usually resulting from bilateral damage to the amygdalae, characterized by a set of symptoms including hypersexuality, hyperorality, and placidity (reduced aggression), but in some cases, it can present with aggression.
• Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the body, affecting the brain and liver. It can cause psychiatric symptoms, including mood swings and aggression, though it is much rarer than other causes of anger management issues.
• Pseudobulbar Affect: A condition characterized by involuntary and inappropriate emotional responses, which can sometimes be mistaken for rage issues due to the intense emotional displays.