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