Treating Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)

Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment facility for teen boys ages 14-17. For more than 50 years, we have been providing effective, long-term residential treatment for teen boys with behavioral diagnoses like intermittent explosive disorder, or IED.

intermittent explosive disorder

IED, Intermittent Explosive Disorder & Teen Behavior

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a mental health condition characterized by sudden episodes of unwarranted, intense anger or aggression that are grossly out of proportion to the situation at hand.

Individuals with IED may verbally or physically lash out during these episodes, which can result in significant distress or problems in their interpersonal relationships, employment, and other areas of their life.

Teens with IED may have:

      Have Unpredictable Impulsive, Aggressive Outbursts

      Throw Verbal or Physical Tantrums with Little or No Provocation

      Become Suddenly Violent Toward People, Animals or Objects

The explosive nature of IED outbursts can be scary for others who witness these outbursts. The emotional impact and strained relationships caused by IED outbursts can make life at home difficult for the entire family.

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We can provide a safe, therapy-intensive intervention designed to stabilize behavior, treat underlying conditions and equip teens for success.

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 Individual, Family, and Group Therapy Sessions Led by Licensed Christian Therapists

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24-Hour Nursing and Medication Management

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Individualized Academics with Support for Behavior-Driven Learning Needs

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Daily Opportunities for Skill-Building with Intentional Activity Debriefs

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Discover the power of Christ-centered change that renews your entire family.

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Understanding Your Teen's IED Diagnosis

Intermittent explosive disorder, or IED, is a mental condition that results from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. In some cases, a neurotransmitter imbalance paired with a genetic predisposition and certain personality traits can result in IED.

In other cases, IED may be a learned behavior when an individual is frequently exposed to a high-conflict environment. In either case, living with IED can be challenging for teens and their families.

When a Teen Has IED, the Family May Experience:

Emotional Stress

Personal Safety Concerns

Legal or Financial Concerns

Imbalanced Emotional Relationships

Parental Guilt or Blame

Strained Sibling Relationships

Emotional Burnout

Anxiety or Fear

Marital Problems

When Is a Residential Treatment the Right Choice for Teens with IED?

Residential treatment programs provide a structured environment where individuals can receive constant support and monitoring, participate in a variety of therapeutic activities designed to help them develop coping strategies, and, ideally, work on rebuilding relationships with family members through family therapy sessions.

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Are behaviors severely impacting daily life?

When outbursts begin to severely impact social, academic, or occupational functioning, treatment can help. The process typically begins with outpatient therapy, but if behaviors do not improve, residential treatment can provide a more immersive treatment experience.

Does the teen have more than one co-occurring diagnosis?

When more than one diagnosis is co-occuring, treatment becomes increasingly complex. These individuals often benefit from an immersive, residential treatment program that can tailor services to meet their unique needs. For example, if impulsive behaviors stem from past childhood trauma, a residential placement can support both root-cause interventions and the development of healthier coping strategies to stabilize behaviors.

Have outpatient treatment options previously failed?

For many, outpatient therapy provides enough support to overcome behavioral challenges. However, if a teens who have previously failed with outpatient services or who have had multiple short-term placements, often benefit from longer-term treatment like a residential program.

Is there an immediate risk of danger?

If behaviors pose an immediate risk to the individual or those around them, placement in a residential treatment program can help keep everyone safe.

Have Previous Treatment Options Failed?

Residential treatment is often most appropriate for individuals who have not seen sustained success with outpatient or short-term treatment options. The immersive, long-term approach of a residential treatment center can provide enhanced structure and support to facilitate an intense focus on recovery.

Why Choose Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch?

Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a dual-diagnosis mental health treatment facility with a Christ-centered, trauma-based approach. We help boys struggling with behavior due to mental conditions like IED, problems regulating emotions, stress, or other causes.

Our program provides stabilization, skill-building, and transition support so that your son can learn to understand his diagnosis and develop healthy coping mechanisms so that he can thrive personally and professionally.

Our six core areas of healing include:

  • Clinical Therapy
  • Individualized Academics
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Equine Therapy
  • Family Involvement
  • Spiritual Growth
Intervention Model