Is it road rage or explosive disorder?
To me, the belligerent cur who rode my hiney and flashed his high beams as I passed a vehicle on the freeway, then screamed and gyrated incessantly as he passed me, was exemplifying road rage. I thought he was just exhibiting a bad attitude, but doctors have now labeled such individuals with an affliction: intermittent explosive disorder or IED.
According to the Standard Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual, an individual who has had “three episodes of impulsive aggressiveness ‘grossly out of proportion to any precipitating psycho social stressor’ at any time in their life” can be diagnosed with IED. Couldn’t that include nearly everyone? If there are those who have never let their temper get the best of them — congratulations — I am envious of your emotional control.
It seems to me that nearly every societal dysfunction today is diagnosed as a disease or disorder — sort of an expansion of the insanity plea. I understand that mental health is a real issue in our world, and that the chemical balance of the brain is subject to fluctuation, but aren’t many road ragers simply lacking patience and courtesy?
I have a feeling that labels are placed on certain disorders so that the sale of drugs can be increased. The treatment for IED is therapy and drugs, to include Prozac and Zoloft. To be afflicted with IED, per the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, the outbursts must not be the result of bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or substance abuse.
The bad news: the cause of IED has not been determined (maybe someone simply gets darned mad at another driver), there is no way to prevent this disorder, and there is no clinical way to diagnose it until behaviors appear. The good news: when IED manifests itself during driving, it’s still just good old road rage, and we need to deal with it as always. Don’t retaliate to a raging driver — avoid eye contact, stay calm, and never underestimate a rager’s capacity for mayhem. Report severe offenders to the State Patrol via 911. A visit to www.roadragers.com wouldn’t hurt either.
Whatever one names it; many of us have experienced irate drivers, or have even been one a time or two. Beware — if it happens three times though — you may have IED.
Bits and Pieces
Youth: A summer reminder to “invulnerable” youthful drivers: vehicle accidents rank No. 1 in the deaths of young people in our country (for ages 5-33). I felt invulnerable at a young age — now I know I was just lucky. Try to consider safety while at the wheel, and of course, please avoid drinking and driving.
Distraction: All drivers should strive to reduce distraction and increase focus while operating their motor vehicles. Cell phone distraction has now moved from mental distraction to physical distraction, as many are “texting” messages while moving down the road. I realize that many people pride themselves on their multi-tasking capability, but driving a vehicle on the street with other vehicles takes all of one’s ability.
Fuel hike: Right now, people are shunning the big-engined trucks and SUVs in favor of cars that get better mileage. My prediction: In a short time, we’ll be used to budgeting for $3-per-gallon fuel, and get right back to old habits (wasteful ones). It would be tough as a manufacturer to figure out the fickle habits of the American consumer, but we’ve always leaned toward power and/or roominess. Even now, when sales of SUVs are lower, people are lining up to pay nearly $15,000 over sticker for the new Shelby GT 500 Mustang with 500 horsepower. Go figure.
Mirrors: I’ve received some e-mail regarding proper adjustment of rear-view mirrors, and they all vary in their advice. Some even claim to eliminate the “blind spot” with certain settings, or allow safe backing. My opinion is that regardless of mirror position, drivers must turn their heads and look before changing lanes or backing up — it’s a more sure way to determine whether your path is clear.
Feedback: I understand that not every column stimulates reader feedback, but I’d like to remind you that your input doesn’t have to be on a current topic. Any comments regarding motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles or driving are encouraged and appreciated. Whether you simply have an opinion, pet peeve, or rage incident to share, I’d love to hear from you. If you strongly agree or disagree with something here, please let me know. Thanks again to all of you who take the time to sound off.