By Martin Brink, Board-Certified in Neurotherapy and QEEG:
Most of our clients seeking help for Anger feel like they are living on a volcano. They are exhausted by the internal pressure that erupts without warning, leaving them to face the wreckage of their relationships and careers. They are tired of being judged for a “lack of willpower” when they actually feel hijacked by a biological heat they can’t turn down.
The question remains: ‘Is there a better therapy for Anger Issues?’ Beyond the clichés of “counting to ten” or “deep breathing”, is there a way to actually recalibrate the Brain’s internal thermostat?
In order to look for a reasonable answer, it’s a good idea to examine the function of the affected organ: The Brain.
Real client’s LoRETA loop: Red = faulty, excessive activity
Based in Neuroscience, QEEG Brain Mapping can identify the dysfunctional patterns of uncontrolled Anger in Brain activity, and Neurotherapy offers a drug-free pathway to real and lasting change; because Anger (Intermittent Explosive Disorder, IED) is a Functional Brain Disorder. But what exactly does that mean?
All our Abilities, Behaviours and Experiences arise from the electrical activity in our Brains.
Electroencephalography (EEG) records electrical Brain activity from the scalp with very little fuss:
Quantitative EEG (QEEG) analyses the Brain’s electrical activity: Green = normal levels.
If our Brain’s electrical activity is out of order, it affects our Abilities, Behaviours and Experiences.
When Brain activity isn’t normal, it shows up in the EEG. See for yourself (psychiatric client):
QEEG maps: Yellow = a bit too much, Orange = clearly too much, Red = crazy too much activity.
In clinical lingo, too much Anger is called “Intermittent Explosive Disorder” or IED. Brains with IED (Anger Issues) show distinctive patterns of abnormal Brain activity in studies with EEG and QEEG.
Understanding these electro-physiological signatures is crucial for targeted Neurotherapy with Neurofeedback to help restore normal Brain function by addressing the root cause of the excessive Anger.
Below you’ll see some of the abnormal patterns that are commonly found in angry IED Brains, according to research and clinical experience.
Hot Alarm System with Cooling Failure
Angry Brains often display signs of an overactive Amygdala — the Threat-Alarm deep in the Brain. The Orbitofrontal Cortex is supposed to keep it cool, but in Anger-prone Brains, it’s often underactive. So the Amygdala runs hot, amplifies perceived threats and fuels impulsive aggression unopposed. That makes people feel “on edge” and ready to “defend themselves” at the drop of a hat.
Sluggish Brakes
Adults with IED often have too much slow Theta activity in the front of the Brain. So their Brain can’t put the brakes on emotional acceleration in time. This pattern — also seen in Post-Concussion Syndrome — is consistent with diminished executive function, poor impulse control, and difficulty inhibiting Amygdala-driven rage. Individuals often present with reactive aggression, short fuse, and emotional volatility and vulnerability.
Attack is the best Defence — or is it?
In some anger-prone clients, the left front of the Brain becomes overactive during stress. That part is linked to approach and confrontation. In individuals with IED, this QEEG signature reflects impulsive, confrontational behaviour and poor tolerance of frustration. Instead of calming down, their Brain pushes them to argue, lash out or dominate the situation. Interestingly, the same pattern can also be found in clients with Depression or Bipolar Disorder.
The Simmering Volcano
Reduced Beta power right frontally indicates underactivation and is often associated with withdrawal-based anger, including brooding, resentment and social fear. It may not show as yelling, but the pressure builds up over time. This profile indicates unprocessed wrath or bitterness that can emerge in passive-aggressive or coldly hostile behaviour.
Anger Management Neurofeedback - Selected Scientific References
