Intermittent Explosive Disorder - More Common Than Commonly Thought?

We've all seen scary cases when a person flies into a violent rage for no reason, whether it's road rage or a couple's overheated argument. What you may not know is that, for some people at least, a real disorder may be behind the problem: intermittent explosive disorder (IED). This is not your everyday type of angry outburst, but rather a violent reaction that is way out of proportion to the event that brought it on. Often the outburst involves throwing or breaking things or other injury to property or people.

An article on WebMD says that IED may be more common than we think, affecting as many as 16 million adults in the U.S. It note the results of a study that defined IED as "involving at least three incidents over a lifetime of anger attacks in which physical harm was done to other people or to property." And the incidents had to not be linked to factors such as drug or alcohol use or depression.

Before an incident of IED, sufferers may report feeling an increased energy level and irritability or rage. Episodes may be accompanied by physical sensations such as tingling, tremors, palpitations, or chest tightness. After an episode of intermittent explosive disorder the person may feel embarrassment, guilt or shame, various sources say.

An article on the Mayo Clinic's Web site talks about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and treatments for intermittent explosive disorder, and tells what medications can be effective in treating IED. Psychology Today also discusses what intermittent explosive disorder is and covers some of the same aspects of the disorder as the Mayo article.

If you feel you or someone you know may be affected by IED, consult a medical professional to learn more about the specific symptoms, causes, and characteristics of intermittent explosive disorder.

Peanut Butter Recall: Troubles Continue as Number of Products Grows

The peanut butter recall is growing, and it's unclear how far it will go. U.S. News and World Report notes that more companies are pulling products off the shelves, from cookies to candies. This comes after the FDA warned on Saturday that consumers should avoid products that contain peanut butter or peanut butter paste while the investigation into salmonella contamination continues. (It should be noted that no jars of peanut butter are involved in the warning or recalls; the products concerned are things like crackers, cookies, and other prepared foods.)

General Mills and Kellogg are two of the most recent food makers to issue recalls; the Kroger grocery chain has also issued a recall for some of its private label products containing peanut butter. It seems most if not all of the contamination cases are linked to products from one supplier, Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).

Check out the FDA salmonella outbreak fact sheet for details on what products have been recalled, information on salmonella, and an update on the agency's investigation into the peanut butter salmonella outbreak.

The salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter products has now affected people in 43 of America's 50 states as well as parts of Canada. Nearly 500 people have become sick, and six deaths have resulted.