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How can psychiatrists help with anger management?
Anger is a normal emotion felt by everyone on occasion; however, when excessive or frequent anger outbursts begin to interfere with an individual's ability to maintain relationships or function in their daily life, seeking help from a mental health professional may be beneficial. Psychiatrists, who are medical professionals trained to prescribe medication and provide therapy for behavioral health conditions, can provide services to those seeking anger management support. Psychiatrists specializing in anger management will often conduct an assessment of an individual's symptoms and then assess whether medication, therapy, or a combination of both may be most helpful.
What treatment options are available for anger management?
Treatment for anger management often depends on the source and severity of the client's symptoms. Medication can be one option that can help reduce the intensity of anger and may be most appropriate for individuals with psychiatric diagnoses such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). If individuals have co-occurring diagnoses, they may find that treatment for other conditions, such as antidepressant medication or mood stabilizing medication, also help improve their anger management challenges.
Regardless of whether medication may be necessary, most clients with anger management issues benefit from behavioral therapy; the most common therapy used for anger management is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help individuals identify the source of their anger and identify how negative thought patterns may influence their feelings of anger. Psychiatrists can assess which treatment techniques may be most effective for a client and may provide this behavioral counseling directly or work with other professionals on a client's care team, such as a therapist or social worker, to ensure that they receive these services.
Regardless of whether medication may be necessary, most clients with anger management issues benefit from behavioral therapy; the most common therapy used for anger management is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help individuals identify the source of their anger and identify how negative thought patterns may influence their feelings of anger. Psychiatrists can assess which treatment techniques may be most effective for a client and may provide this behavioral counseling directly or work with other professionals on a client's care team, such as a therapist or social worker, to ensure that they receive these services.
How can I find a psychiatrist who specializes in anger management?
To find a psychiatrist who specializes in anger management, you can use the Psychology Today online directory "filter" function to search for professionals with expertise in anger management. You may also filter by additional specialties that may be relevant, such as borderline personality disorder, behavioral issues, or other conditions. When searching for a provider, it can be helpful to ask about their specific expertise in treating anger and inquire about their approach to medication and behavioral interventions. It is also important to determine whether their office is accessible (either close-by or via telehealth) and if they accept your insurance.