-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
mental/emotional
anger
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: A strong emotion of resentment and displeasure; wrath. Accompanied by and often the converse side of emotional or psychic hurt.

etiology:
Anger may be present:
• as a fleeting rejection of a single event, an attempted redress of injustice; Chinese wisdom asserts that "anger is the righteousness of the soul"
• as a substitute for another posture of rejection, such as grief, fear or
pain
• as a chronic posture of defense toward the world (source of events) in general; one of several classic results of growing up in any dysfunctional family situation

signs and symptoms

• lowered threshold of tolerance
• diminished ability to love or communicate;
• muscle tension in neck, upper back, abdomen, lower back or anywhere
• headaches
• bruxism at night
• nightmares
• swearing
• diminished ability to trust

course and prognosis

May be a separate entity/emotion or a defense/reaction mechanism to avoid experiencing another emotion such as pain or fear.

Clearly being studied in alcoholic family systems, this reaction can become attitudinal and actually limit emotional growth.

Prognosis is excellent when chronic, defensive anger is distinguished from ad
hoc reflexive anger and recognized as a curable dysfunction rather than an
incurable "personality trait." Developing awareness and recognition of emotional patterns helps the sufferer to recognize and deal with this emotion when it arises.

differential diagnosis

• fear
• emotional hurt
• fatigue
• early systemic illness (flu, colds, premenstrual syndrome)


footnotes