Harnessing Anger
in Teens and Adolescents

Difficulty managing anger is not something that only affects adults. Teens and young people also lose their cool from time to time. However, some teens and adolescents appear to have trouble controlling their anger and their outbursts are often outside the normal emotional scope. As a parent or guardian, you may need to step in and take a hard look at how you can help in finding a way to resolve a possible anger disorder.

When Anger Becomes Unhealthy

Anger is a common emotion felt by everyone, especially when there is a legitimate trigger to that anger. It is a state of high agitation usually accompanied by cold sweat, gritted teeth, and/or reddening in the face. It can be a part of a healthy emotional life. For some, particularly in young people, difficulty managing anger is a common occurrence that usually starts to manifest at age 12 on the average, with more boys than girls being affected.

Teens and adolescents may not yet be emotionally mature enough in their faculties to develop strategies to confront situations causing them to at times appear rather unstable. This volatile temperaments may push away loved ones in an attempt to avoid the intermittent and explosive angry emotional outbursts. If the flares of temper lead to being destructive or violent, it may be time to step in. These are indications that your child’s anger has gone beyond the level of a normal, healthy reaction to negative emotional input and has magnified itself into an impulse control disorder such as intermittent explosive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder in more extreme circumstances.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Without extensive training or knowledge regarding impulse control disorders, it can be difficult for you to recognize these symptoms and theorize on how it can be treated. The key to identifying whether or not your teen child is experiencing an impulse control disorder is to look at the consequences that his or her behavior has caused.

Frequent troubles in school and strained friendship are just some signs that something is seriously wrong with your teen child. Of course, only a trained professional can confirm your suspicion after conducting a thorough evaluation and making an official diagnosis. An assessment will then come with a recommendation regarding the appropriate treatment.

Getting Help for your Teen Child

If your teen child has difficulty managing anger, and his or her rage has become aggressive and potentially destructive, it may be imperative that you seek treatment without delay. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking the help of a caring professional can both critical measures for your teen’s health.

Don’t wait any longer to reach out for help. When you call Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC, you’ll be guided through available treatment options to meet your child’s needs. Depending on the nature of his or her condition, one of the licensed, independently contracted counselors with  Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC will help your child learn to take control of their anger. Call CCS – Southern Pines, NC today to schedule your first appointment.

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