Co-occurring Anger/disruptive Behavior With Stress, Depression or Anxiety

Co morbidity means two or more diseases or conditions existing together in an individual. While anger is not a diagnosable mental disorder, like anxiety, depression or stress, it is frequently a symptom or condition that exist with some psychiatric disorders.

Often, anger arises out of the frustrating and debilitating forces associated with other psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactive disorder. A short fuse or propensity to anger is one of the more common symptoms. In my opinion, prisons are filled with men who were never diagnosed or treated for many of these conditions such as the lack of self-control/anger management.

Although research is just beginning to support the idea of a “male-based depression,” it is possible that men may instead express their depression in terms of increases in fatigue, irritability and anger (sometimes with personal or property directed aggression), loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep disturbances. The symptom list that appears in the DSM –IV may be more typical for women.

Men who suffer from high blood pressure with anger and anxiety are more likely to suffer heart attacks or strokes. This can happen when the blood pressure rises too high often and stays above normal levels for prolonged periods.

Anxiety attacks brought on by anger and anxiety issues have the same symptoms as the onset of a heart attack. This will leave the person feeling as if they are having a heart attack. In this case, it is always best to seek medical help with an anxiety or panic attack to make sure it isn’t an actual heart attack.

Stress, anger, hostility and depression join together to form a picture of a process leading to, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and many other illnesses.

In summary, while anger is not a pathological condition, it is a powerful and common symptom of depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders which needs to be taken serious and addressed.