Can anger be treated with medications? - genuine question

[tinseltastic]

(Namechanged for this thread)

There seems to be a huge gulf on mumsnet between how people are advised on depression vs those with an anger problem. For those with depression, reassurances that it's a chemical imbalance in the brain, not their fault, need lots of support and the right meds to help get better. For those with anger - admittedly as reported on the Relationships board by the victims of that anger - they are losers, bastards, emotionally crippled, will never change, give up on them etc.

This is a perhaps naive but genuine question: can excessive anger also be caused by a chemical imbalance and if so, is that imbalance treatable? I read an article in The Times a few weeks back by a man who was on Prozac for his anger, and he said it had worked for him ie pretty much cured his temper. Is there anything in this?

Reason for asking is that I do know someone with an anger problem (which he admits he has), who is probably depressed as well, and want to work out how best to help.

[Crawling]

I had therapy for it at 15 the reason I was so angry was neglect drug addict dad and dealing with a major mental illness. I was in a mutual abusive relationship e.g you hit me I hit you who can make the other cry first who can think up the most horrid way to hurt the other I'm not proud and we both walked with scars but therapy helped me deal with the anger and now I have a very healthy loving relationship.

I don't know about mess but counselling can certainly help.

[Crawling]

I had therapy for it at 15 the reason I was so angry was neglect drug addict dad and dealing with a major mental illness. I was in a mutual abusive relationship e.g you hit me I hit you who can make the other cry first who can think up the most horrid way to hurt the other I'm not proud and we both walked with scars but therapy helped me deal with the anger and now I have a very healthy loving relationship.

I don't know about mess but counselling can certainly help.

[Crawling]

sorry on phone.

[mulranno]

Anger is the main symptom of my depession .... it is my biggest problem and my ADs sort it immediately

[jessjessjess]

I think anger is a symptom. The ability and method of treating it depends on the cause.

[ItsaTIARA]

Like jess said. Irrational anger can be caused by PMT for example, and that's very responsive to medication.

[BitofSparklingPerry]

I don't know if this is relevant, but I have always been of the ' either it is a medical problem, in which case you would be seeking help, or it is you being an arse, in which case you should stop being an arse' camp.

I have done some horrible things to people that love me when ill, and I always apologise anyway - even though it isn't the same as if I had done them sane, it still hurt the person.

I have someone in my life who occasionally says that he is depressed/an alcoholic when people get too annoyed at his behaviour. He quite possibly could be, and I would support him to get help for these things (starting by going to the gp and getting coucilling or medication, or perhaps a support group, and keeping whatever it is up past the point where he thinks people have calmed down) but I have list count of the amount of times he has made a bug song and dance of pouring all the alcohol away/crying about needing to get antidepressants or even getting them and then a week later he is back doing the same as he always was. He also uses giving p smoking as an excuse to be vile - around four times a year he spends two weeks shouting and swearing and then starts smoking again, so I now refuse to take it from him.

I'm possibly heartless though.

[KeemaNaanAndCurryOn]

It depends on the cause of the anger though.

Do I think that in the case of domestic abuse, the anger of the abusive partner can be "cured" with medication or anti-depressants, no I don't. That anger seems to be more about dominance and control, rather than an overreaction to stress etc. Taking an anti-D or a tranquiliser won't stop them from being an abusive twat.

Do I think that someone who is depressed who overreacts to stressful stimuli with an angry outburst can be helped with drugs, yes I do. Do I think their depression absolves them from the damage that their ourbursts can do? No.

[WithanAnotE]

Depression triggers impatience in me and what is termed 'low frustration tolerance'. I don't think I am unique either so OP I would say yes, having any form of MH problem can make controlling one's emotions (inc. anger) more difficult.
Similarly, therapeutic options can also help, as well as meds.
Which is the right solution or balance / combo is where we need good MH professionals to advise and help us as unique individuals with our own accumulated baggage, experiences and the rest of it!