Reader’s Question

I would like to know what is the best medicine that controls anger and helps to control the time-to-time urge to initiate arguments which lead to shouting and fighting with people close to me?

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Medications work best to control the “constant” urge to argue, shout, and fight with others. When this occurs from time to time, we first consider counseling or psychotherapy. Your situation is most common in individuals who are experiencing a high stress level. Under stress, we often “vent” our stress, anger, resentment and tension by arguing with others. Socially, we describe such internal tension as “looking for a fight”. Stress also increases our irritability, making us on edge and unable to tolerate casual comments by others in our environment.

I’d review my current life stressors. Is there a way to decrease some of the stress? Is there a way to burn some stress off on a daily basis (exercise, hobbies, etc.)? Why am I so angry? A mental health professional should also determine if medications will be of benefit in your situation.