Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
DEFINITION
- Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a behavioral disorder characterized by impulsive and uncontrollable aggressive outbursts that are either verbal or physical in nature, disproportionate to the level of provocation or psychosocial stress, and result in negative interpersonal, financial, or legal consequences.
- Intermittent explosive disorder is classified under the Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)[1].
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Last updated: August 22, 2025
Citation
Gary, Joseph, et al. "Intermittent Explosive Disorder." Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide, The Johns Hopkins University, 2025. Johns Hopkins Guides, www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide/787091/all/Intermittent_Explosive_Disorder.
Gary J, Brown BK, Nestadt G. Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide. The Johns Hopkins University; 2025. https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide/787091/all/Intermittent_Explosive_Disorder. Accessed October 8, 2025.
Gary, J., Brown, B. K., & Nestadt, G. (2025). Intermittent Explosive Disorder. In Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide. The Johns Hopkins University. https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide/787091/all/Intermittent_Explosive_Disorder
Gary J, Brown BK, Nestadt G. Intermittent Explosive Disorder [Internet]. In: Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide. The Johns Hopkins University; 2025. [cited 2025 October 08]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide/787091/all/Intermittent_Explosive_Disorder.
* Article titles in AMA citation format should be in sentence-case
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AU - Nestadt,Gerald,M.D.
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BT - Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide
UR - https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide/787091/all/Intermittent_Explosive_Disorder
PB - The Johns Hopkins University
DB - Johns Hopkins Guides
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