Teen Anger Treatment

Anger is a natural part of growing up, but for some teens, it can be disruptive. When emotions run high, a teen might experience outbursts that damage relationships and cloud their judgment. However, anger can sometimes be unavoidable, which is why it’s important to teach teens how to understand and express their anger in healthier ways.

If your child isn’t cooperating or their anger is out of control, it may be time to look into teen anger treatment.  

Why Do Teenagers Get Angry?

Adolescence is a period of change, not just physically, but also in how the brain functions. Unlike adults, teenagers don’t rely as much on the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for thinking and reading emotional cues. 

Instead, they rely on the amygdala, which is known as the “feeling center.” This means that when teens experience strong emotions, their amygdala can trigger a fight or flight response, sometimes leading to unexpected or intense displays of anger. Because the prefrontal cortex doesn’t fully develop until the mid-20’s, teenagers often struggle to regulate these impulses. 

Aside from brain function, teenagers can get angry due to other factors as well. These include mental and emotional changes, life stressors, and underlying mental health conditions. 

Mental and Emotional Changes

During adolescence, emotions can feel intense and unpredictable. Teenagers face a mix of changes that can challenge how they handle feelings like anger. Some of the changes teens go through include: 

  • Hormonal surges lead to unpredictable mood swings and can intensify feelings of anger.
  • The developing brain processes emotions rapidly, sometimes before rational thinking catches up.
  • Social pressures from peers and changing friendships can make teens feel isolated or misunderstood.
  • The push for independence often clashes with family rules and creates tension at home.
  • Exploring personal identity can cause internal conflicts that feed into frustration. 

These big changes help explain why managing emotions, especially anger, can be so challenging during the teen years.  

Life Stressors

Every teen faces their own set of challenges. Balancing schoolwork, friendships, and family expectations can really weigh on a young person. When too much builds up, it can feel overwhelming, and anger might be one of the ways they react. 

In today’s modern world, one of the biggest stressors for teens is social media. In fact, research shows that spending long hours on social media can disrupt the brain’s reward system, which leads to increased irritability and aggression. 

Some other everyday challenges teens deal with include: 

  • Social and academic pressure
  • Changes in friendships and social circles
  • Family conflicts or high expectations
  • Worries about what the future holds 

Underlying Mental Health Conditions

Some mental health conditions are commonly linked to difficulties in managing anger. For example, teens with ADHD struggle with emotional dysregulation, meaning they may struggle to control emotions like anger. This happens because ADHD can make it harder for the brain to focus and keep emotions in check.  

In addition to ADHD, other conditions that can affect anger management in teens include: 

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Bipolar disorder  
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
  • Conduct disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for some teens

Types of Therapy for Teen Anger Management

One of the most utilized treatments for anger in teens is therapy. Therapy can help adolescents have better control over their anger and handle their frustrations in healthier ways. Therapies doctors may recommend include dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that builds on CBT but is designed for those who experience extreme emotions. Unlike standard CBT, DBT focuses on both accepting current feelings and actively working to change unhelpful behaviors. 

DBT is structured around four skill sets: 

  • Mindfulness to help teens stay present and aware of their emotions
  • Distress Tolerance to teach teens strategies to handle stress and pain
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness to build skills for better communication and healthier relationships
  • Emotion Regulation to teach teens how to understand and manage their emotions 

Recent research has shown that attending at least 10 two-hour DBT sessions can reduce anger and improve anger management skills in adolescents. This time gives teens enough time to practice and internalize these skills as they improve how they handle their emotions. 

Family Therapy

While teens are forming new relationships with peers, the connection they have with caring adults (e.g., parents, caregivers, or mentors) is the foundation for all other relationships. When these adult relationships are positive and supportive, they give clear examples of respect, honest communication, and calm conflict resolution. 

In family therapy sessions, the goal is to improve communication and help everyone understand each other’s perspectives. Unhealthy family dynamics, like a power imbalance or poor communication, can contribute to angry outbursts and ongoing tension. By working together, families learn to handle conflicts more effectively, which in turn helps teens manage their anger better.    

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps teens manage anger by teaching them practical strategies to control their emotions. Instead of reacting aggressively, CBT helps teens learn to respond to frustration in healthier ways. For instance, they practice techniques such as: 

  • Deep breathing to calm the body and clear the mind
  • Muscle relaxation to ease physical tension
  • Cognitive restructuring to challenge and change negative thought patterns
  • Problem solving to break down challenges into manageable steps
  • Behavioral rehearsal to roleplay new, constructive responses
  • Assertive communication to express feelings clearly and respectfully 

Does Medication Work for Teen Anger?

Since anger is a symptom rather than an official diagnosis, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating it. Instead, medications might be used to treat underlying conditions that can cause irritability and anger, such as depression, anxiety, or BPD. 

However, if your teen is prescribed medication, especially an antidepressant, it’s important that you know the risks. The FDA has warned that some teens taking antidepressants may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions. While this doesn’t happen for everyone, parents should still watch for the following warning signs: 

  • New or constant thoughts of suicide
  • Worsening depression
  • Agitation or panic attacks
  • Increased irritability
  • Hypomania or mania 

If you notice any of the above signs, contact your teen’s doctor right away. If they are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, dial 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency room. 

How Can Parents Help Angry Teens?

Parents can have a big influence when it comes to supporting teens through difficult emotions. Here are some ways to help: 

  • Listen and talk openly
  • Show calm behavior during stressful times
  • Keep rules clear and consistent
  • Encourage healthy ways to release stress
  • Seek professional help when needed

Another tool for parents is co-regulation. This means staying calm yourself so you can help your teen manage their emotions during moments of anger or distress. When a teen is upset, a supportive response, like taking a deep breath together, can help them learn to soothe themselves. Over time, these interactions build skills for self-regulation, which can affect how they handle stress and conflict in the future. 

Anger Management Strategies for Teens 

Teens can also play an important role in their anger management. Some strategies include: 

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Regular physical activity
  • Journaling thoughts and feelings
  • Mindfulness or meditation practices
  • Creative outlets like art or music

By experimenting with these techniques, teens can discover what works best for them and turn moments of anger into opportunities for growth. 

Get Professional Help for Your Teen’s Anger Today

If your teen’s struggles are affecting their relationships or education, it might be time to consider professional support. Mission Harbor Behavioral Health’s dedicated team of licensed therapists work closely with families to create a treatment plan that’s specific to your teen’s needs. From family therapy to CBT, we offer tools that help teens manage their emotions with more control and confidence. 

Ready to help your teen improve their emotional health? Contact us today to learn more about our teen anger treatment options.  

The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.

Get Help Now

Mental health issues extremely difficult to overcome on your own. Seek specialized help and let professionals guide you.

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