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Anger Management   

Anger Management 

Anger Management 
Treatment Plan 

SNOMED Terms

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  • Intermittent explosive disorder

  • Personality change due to medical disorder

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder

 

Goals

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  • Decrease overall intensity and frequency of angry feelings, and increase ability to recognize and appropriately express angry feelings as they occur.

  • Develop an awareness of current angry behaviors, clarifying origins of and alternatives to aggressive anger.

  • Come to an awareness and acceptance of angry feelings while developing better control and more serenity.

  • Become capable of handling angry feelings in constructive ways that enhance daily functioning.

  • Demonstrate respect for others and their feelings.

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Behavioral Definitions

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  • History of explosive, aggressive outbursts out of proportion with any precipitating stressors, leading to assaultive acts or destruction of property.

  • Overreactive hostility to insignificant irritants.

  • Swift and harsh judgmental statements made to or about others.

  • Body language suggesting anger, including tense muscles (e.g., clenched fist or jaw), glaring looks, or refusal to make eye contact.

  • Use of passive-aggressive patterns (e.g., social withdrawal, lack of complete or timely compliance in following directions or rules, complaining about authority figures behind their backs, uncooperative in meeting expected behavioral norms) due to anger.

  • Consistent pattern of challenging or disrespectful attitudes toward authority figures.

  • Use of abusive language meant to intimidate others.

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Diagnoses

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  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder

  • Bipolar I Disorder

  • Bipolar II Disorder

  • Conduct Disorder

  • Personality Change Due to Axis III Disorder

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  • Physical Abuse of Adult (by Partner)

  • Physical Abuse of Adult (by non-Partner)

  • Borderline Personality Disorder

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder

  • Paranoid Personality Disorder

  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder

  • Personality Disorder NOS

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How to manage anger?

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Managing anger can be a challenging task, but there are several strategies that can help:

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1. Identify the triggers: It's important to understand what triggers your anger. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid or manage them.

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2. Take a break: If you feel yourself becoming angry, take a break from the situation. This can help you calm down and gather your thoughts.

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3. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all relaxation techniques that can help you manage anger.

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4. Use cognitive restructuring: This involves changing the way you think about a situation. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, try to see the positive or neutral aspects.

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5. Communicate assertively: Instead of lashing out in anger, communicate your feelings assertively. This can help you express your anger in a healthy way.

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6. Seek support: If you're having trouble managing your anger, consider seeking support from a therapist or support group.

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Remember, managing anger is a skill that takes practice. With persistence and effort, you can learn to manage your anger and improve your relationships and overall well-being.

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Anger management treatment plans typically involve a combination of therapy and skill-building exercises. Here are some steps that may be included in an anger management treatment plan:

1. Assessment: A mental health professional will assess the individual's anger issues, including the triggers and underlying causes, and develop a personalized treatment plan.

2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In anger management, CBT can help individuals learn to recognize their anger triggers, challenge their angry thoughts, and develop coping strategies to manage their anger.

3. Relaxation techniques: Learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation, can help individuals manage their anger and reduce stress.

4. Communication skills: Learning effective communication skills can help individuals express their feelings in a non-threatening way and improve their relationships.

5. Problem-solving skills: Learning problem-solving skills can help individuals identify and address the underlying issues that contribute to their anger.

6. Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and getting enough sleep, can help individuals manage their anger more effectively.

7. Support groups: Attending support groups or anger management classes can provide individuals with a supportive environment to share their experiences and learn from others.

It's important to seek professional help for anger management issues, as untreated anger can lead to negative consequences in both personal and professional relationships.

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