Medically reviewed by
Dr Beau Growcott BA (Psych), GradDipPsych, MPsych (Counselling), PhD
What is anger?
Anger is a feeling we experience in our bodies for many different reasons. Anger itself is not a problem. In fact, like all feelings, it provides important information about what we believe is safe and good for us.
When we talk about “anger problems” we’re usually referring to aggressive behaviours such as yelling, verbal violence or physical violence.
There are also patterns in thinking that can result in the experience of excessive anger, which leads to the expression of aggression or violence. These are features of mental health problems including oppositional defiant disorder and intermittent explosive disorder, and are a common symptom of depression in men.
When anger is expressed as aggression or violence, it can put the angry person and those around them in danger. These behaviours can cause problems with relationships, family, the workplace and law enforcement.
How common is anger?
Everybody feels anger but it is not a problem for everyone.
Around one in 13 adults in the United States has experienced problems with excessive anger. Being male, having a low income, not living with a partner and being unemployed are associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing excessive anger. Experiencing excessive anger becomes less likely as people get older.
The number of Australians in the general population who experience excessive anger is not known but the rate in members of the Australian Defense Force is one in six, and in military veterans, the rate is over one in three. In these people, excessive anger is more likely in males than females, and in people who have experienced trauma (either inside or outside of the military). Excessive anger becomes less common in service people and veterans with increasing age.
Symptoms of anger
Excessive anger is a symptom of other mental health conditions, including intermittent explosive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder.
It can also result in beliefs about yourself including ‘I am bad’ and ‘I can’t control myself’.
What causes anger?
Excessive anger is caused by thoughts and beliefs about your upbringing, past events, and current circumstances, as well as your health and wellbeing.
Diagnosis of anger
There are no diagnostic criteria for excessive anger but if it’s affecting your life you might need help with emotional regulation.
How is anger treated?
Various types of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective in reducing the experience of excessive anger. This involves speaking to a therapist who can help you to recognise and change unhelpful thought patterns. Mindfulness, relaxation, lifestyle changes and, for some people, medication can also help.
What does anger mean for my health?
The effects of excessive anger on health are not fully understood, but there’s evidence that anger is associated with major health problems like coronary heart disease (which is the greatest cause of early death in Australian males), high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and harmful health behaviours (e.g. risk-taking, poor diet).
What should I do about anger?
Given the health risks of excessive anger and its potential negative impact on those around you, it’s best to seek help. If you or others notice signs of anger problems, seeing your doctor is a good idea.
Remember that anger is a normal human response in some situations, but excessive anger and expressing anger in ways that harm you or others is not healthy and requires attention.
