What may increase your risk for problems with anger, hostility, or violent behavior?

You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following conditions, lifestyle choices, or diseases. Be sure to tell your health professional.

Conditions

  • Having been raised in a single-parent household
  • A history of bullying or being a victim of bullying
  • A history of physical or sexual abuse
  • A history of suicide attempts
  • A history of violent behavior
  • A physical disability
  • Exposure to violence at home or in the community
  • Life stressors, such as:
    • Change in the level of your income
    • Chronic illness in your family
    • Frequent moves
    • Incarceration or the incarceration of a family member
    • Job loss or job change
    • Poverty
    • Pregnancy
    • Recent separation or divorce

Lifestyle choices

  • Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
  • Drug abuse or withdrawal
  • Extreme impulsiveness or an increase in risk-taking behaviors, such as:
    • Drinking and driving
    • High-risk sexual behavior
    • A fascination with firearms
  • Heavy caffeine use or caffeine withdrawal
  • Firearms in the home

Diseases

  • Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Cancer
  • Chronic pain
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Personality disorders
  • Other mental health problems, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
  • Stroke


Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: January 18, 2008
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine

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