Anger alone is not considered a mental disorder. However, people who have a psychiatric disorder may experience anger that can be problematic. For instance, service members suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder often struggle with anger and may behave violently or become more aggressive than those without the disorder.²   Excessive or inappropriate anger can also be a symptom of certain Personality Disorders. Anger and Irritability, a less severe form of anger, may also be a sign of a Mood Disorder. Additionally, substance abusers can have difficulty controlling emotions, including anger, while under the influence.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is characterized by discrete episodes of failure to resist aggressive impulses that result in serious acts of assault or destruction of property. Most people who have difficulty with anger do not meet criteria for this disorder.  More

Gender Differences

Men and women may express anger differently. For instance, anger is more socially acceptable in males, and is often expressed physically through fighting. Outbursts by men are often laughed off as "boys being boys." Since overt expressions of anger are often punished when expressed by females, they tend to express anger in a more passive-aggressive way, like spreading hurtful rumors. Women are more likely to talk about their feelings of anger and problem-solve with others. Both men and women tend to have fewer problems with the expression of anger as they get older.³

Do you often find yourself unable to control your temper? Does your anger come out in unhealthy ways that are damaging to both yourself and others? Determine your Anger Profile by responding to hypothetical scenarios. Or take this briefer Anger Quiz. Answering a few true/false questions can help determine if you should seek help for anger problems.

¹Deffenbacher, J. L., & McKay, M. (2000). Overcoming Situational and General Anger - Client Manual. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

²National Center for PTSD & Walter Reed Medical Center (2004). The Iraq War Clinician Guide 2nd Edition. Accessed 3/6/06.

³Dittman, M. (2003). Anger across the gender divide. APA Monitor, 34, 52.