Anger issues? Control Anger with Neurofeedback
Can Neurofeedback help with Anger ?
There are many studies demonstrating that Neurofeedback can improve our impulsivity, which can be a factor in uncontrolled anger, including the large body of research on ADHD.
One study (Hammond, D. C. (2010). LENS Neurofeedback Treatment of Anger: Preliminary Reports. Journal of Neurotherapy, 14(2), 162-169) describes two case reports with significant traumatic brain injuries and histories of chronic anger and violent behavior. The results support the potential of Neurofeedback to produce significant improvements in anger control, which has implications with many diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, juvenile and adult correctional populations, and domestic violence.
In another study, 46 participants were trained. The results suggest that Neurofeedback training can significantly improve anger control and reduce angry outbursts. The authors of this study noticed that the success rate is substantially higher than previously published studies using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or anticonvulsant therapy: Walker, J.E. (2013) QEEG-guided neurofeedback for anger / anger control disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy. 17(1) 88-92.
What is Anger ?
Like anxiety, anger is a natural and normal feeling, best described as an uncomfortable feeling, accompanied by muscle tension and an emotional response. Someone can feel angry when he or she (or someone close to them) feels threatened, offended, denied or when provoked or treated unfairly. Some describe anger as a motivating signal that ‘action needs to be taken’ or ‘a problem need to be solved’. People react differently to anger. This depends on the situation, personal background, gender, stress levels and other factors. Most are able to cope with anger for a certain amount of time and try to find a way to release the tension. But for some it is too difficult to control or decompress anger and they express anger in a verbally and/or physical aggressive way to others or against themselves. This not only negatively affects their own health and well-being, but the well-being of others as well. Uncontrolled anger can cause problems with relationships, school, work and even the law. Domestic Violence – violence or threatening behavior within the home – for example is a serious consequence of uncontrolled anger. The cause of uncontrolled anger lies within the physical response to this feeling. The body releases a hormone, known as Adrenaline, which causes the heart to beat faster, increasing sweat production and breathing. The hormone also causes more focus and the ability to respond more quickly, but it can influence thoughts and decrease impulse control as well, resulting in behavior that later might be regretted.
Symptoms of Anger
Anger problems are as common and serious as depression and anxiety, but people don’t often see it as a problem, or don’t realize there are possibilities for treatment. It is important though, to recognize associated symptoms of (uncontrolled) anger in an early stage, before it causes more severe physical and mental consequences to the person him- or herself or to other people.
Symptoms Associated with Uncontrolled Anger |
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Feeling anger or rage |
Irritable at the slightest thing, on edge |
Negative thoughts (e.g. others seem unfair, everything is a big problem) |
Shouting and arguing |
Throw things, attacking someone |
Difficulties concentrating, restless |
Feeling hot and sweaty |
High blood pressure |
Muscle tension |
Tight chest, palpitations, heart attack |
Problems with digestion |
Colds, flu |
Anxiety |
Depression |
Treatment for Anger
Anger and Neurofeedback
With Neurofeedback, anger is approached in a different way. Instead of trying to manage anger, Neurofeedback training can help change the feelings of anger. By stabilizing and calming certain areas of the brain that are dis-regulated – the reason why uncontrolled anger occurs – impulse control will increase, while emotional reactivity (anger, rage irritability), muscle tension, and negative thoughts decrease.
Call us today at (801) 686-9334 to discuss how Neurofeedback could help with anger.