Which factor is included in the diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder?

The diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder (IED) specifically includes outbursts that are impulsive and unplanned. This characteristic is fundamental to IED, as the disorder is defined by episodes of aggressive behavior that are disproportionate to the situation and occur without premeditation. Individuals with IED may react explosively to minor frustrations or provocations, and the impulsive nature of these outbursts is what differentiates IED from other types of aggression, such as that which might occur in a context of substance-related disorders or in cases involving calculated aggression.

The emphasis on impulsivity indicates that these individuals often do not engage in forethought or planning, which is crucial for the correct understanding of IED. This understanding helps guide appropriate treatment strategies which focus on managing these impulsive aggressive responses rather than confronting calculated or substance-induced aggression.