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.

FDA Will Reexamine Potential BPA Bottle Risk

The issue of whether water and other bottles made from the plastic bisphenol-A (BPA) is dangerous to humans isn't quite settled yet, as far as the FDA is concerned. The FDA has decided to reconsider the potential risk posed by the material after its own advisory group accused the agency of "failing to adequately consider research about the dangers of bisphenol-A," according to an article in The New York Times.

A number of animal studies have linked BPA to risk of disease, including some by federal government agencies. BPA is used in many types of plastic bottles (including baby bottles) and in plastic containers, as well as other containers used for food.

Scientific American featured an article in April discussing what it saw as the reasons for suspicions surrounding BPA.

One study has found that the chemical is released more quickly when boiling water is placed in a container made from BPA, but says it's unclear what addition risk this might pose to humans.

The Canadian government is said to have restricted the use of certain products containing BPA, and to have banned baby bottles made with the chemical.

Holiday Health Myths Debunked, and Top Health Stories of 2008

The holiday season is a time of overindulging in food and fun, and of looking back on the past year. WebMD has articles covering both aspects of the season. First there's a quick look at some long-held myths about the holidays and wintertime. Does eating lots of sugar really make children hyperactive? Is it true you lose most of your body heat through your head? Is there really an effective hangover remedy? This article sets the facts straight.

Food and health issues were in the news a lot this year, from tainted tomatoes to the fact that more Americans have HIV than was previously thought. WebMD surveys the top 10 health news stories of 2008, with a number of links to relevant articles for each topic.

Lean Cuisine Recall: Details on Specific Products Involved

Close to 900,000 pounds of Lean Cuisine frozen chicken meals are being recalled because they may contain small pieces of hard blue plastic. Nestle, the owner of Lean Cuisine, issues the recall after receiving a half dozen or so complaints from consumers.

An article on WebMD lists the products involved in the Lean Cuisine recall and gives the toll-free phone number to call with questions (800-227-6188). Lean Cuisine has also set up a Web site, www.News.LeanCuisine.com, with updates on the recall.

The affected products are listed below, but not all of these products are being recalled; check the Web site to see which product codes are involved in the Lean Cuisine recall.

LEAN CUISINE Café Classics Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta
LEAN CUISINE Spa Cuisine Chicken Mediterranean
LEAN CUISINE Dinnertime Selects Chicken Tuscan