Which finding would support a diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder (IED)?

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is characterized by recurrent, sudden episodes of impulsive aggression. Individuals with IED frequently experience intense bursts of anger and have difficulty controlling their impulses during these episodes, which can lead to aggressive outbursts. The key feature that supports the diagnosis is impulsivity, as it denotes a lack of control over aggressive impulses and behaviors.

In IED, impulsivity manifests in the form of explosive anger reactions or aggressive behavior that is disproportionate to any provoking events. People with IED may act out emotionally and physically without considering the consequences, which aligns with the core characteristics of this disorder.

Other options, such as predatory violence, inattention, and deceptive behavior, do not specifically relate to the impulsive and aggressive nature that defines IED. Predatory violence often involves premeditation and planning, which contrasts with the spontaneous nature of attacks seen in IED. Inattention may relate to other disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but does not directly correlate with the impulsivity characteristic of IED. Deceptive behavior might be indicative of other psychological issues but does not align with the core aspects of impulsivity found in IED.