Anger is often viewed as a completely negative emotion. However, there are several benefits we get from feeling anger such as:

1. Motivation to attack when under threat
2. Increased energy and vigor
3. Motivation to communicate displeasure

For most people, anger can be a positive thing when it is part of those three situations and the response is controlled. Unfortunately, for folks with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) have an inability to measure their aggressive responses or control feelings of rage. AP recently covered a new study that reports the surprising finding that up to 16 million Americans may have IED. The disorder can be significantly disruptive to work and family life, and often manifests in road rage and domestic violence situations. Treatment is generally any combination of relaxation training, social skills training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, all of which have been empirically supported by the work of Dr. Jerry Deffenbacher and others. I’ve found all three to be quite helpful, and once people are able to understand their unique process of becomming angry, they can slow down this process and learn to control their responses.

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Should I Get Angry? | Bohemian Journey (9/5/2007)

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 6 Jun 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.