Episodic dyscontrol syndrome

Episodic dyscontrol syndrome is an older name for what is now classified as intermittent explosive disorder, a condition marked by sudden explosive outbursts of anger or violence that are disproportionate to whatever triggered them and are not planned in advance. Episodes typically last under an hour and can include physical symptoms such as sweating, chest tightness and a racing heart, with many people reporting a sense of relief or even euphoria during the outburst followed by remorse afterward. Studies estimate a lifetime prevalence of roughly 4 to 6 percent, and the condition frequently occurs alongside mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, with research pointing to low serotonin turnover in the brain and possible involvement of the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus, the regions that govern impulse control. It appears in the DSM-5 among the disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders, and was recognized as a distinct diagnosis in the ICD-11 for the first time in 2022.