Understanding these potential medical contributors doesn’t erase responsibility for your actions. Still, it could provide a foundation for compassion and context that can open the door for you to get the help you need to prevent a recurrence. Let’s explore common health conditions that sometimes (but certainly not always) may trigger unusual anger and violent actions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
It’s well-known that autism occurs on a spectrum–meaning some cases are more severe than others, and some may be barely detectable. Some researchers suggest that as many two out of five adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been undiagnosed and don’t even realize they have this condition.
ASD is a developmental condition affecting communication and social interaction, often including specific sensory sensitivities. Many adults on the autism spectrum can experience heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or certain types of physical contact. When overwhelmed, individuals with ASD may have difficulty regulating emotions, which can result in outbursts of anger or frustration.
In high-stress situations, people with autism may experience something known as a “meltdown,” a reaction that can sometimes be misunderstood as aggression. Meltdowns are generally a result of sensory or emotional overload, not an intentional display of violent behavior. However, if these outbursts are not appropriately managed or understood by those around them, they can lead to escalations that may result in conflict.
Depression
Most people associate clinical depression with sadness and withdrawal, but it can also manifest as irritability, agitation, or even explosive anger. In fact, depression can increase impulsive behavior and reduce a person’s ability to control their reactions. For some, this means they may lash out physically or verbally when feeling trapped, frustrated, or overwhelmed by negative emotions.
Certain types of depression, especially when accompanied by other mental health challenges, may make someone more prone to uncharacteristic outbursts. People struggling with depression may feel out of control or unable to calm themselves in heated moments, which can lead to regrettable actions. Additionally, some antidepressants used to treat depression may have side effects that contribute to mood swings, further complicating emotional regulation–especially if the dosages are incorrect.
Stroke
A stroke is a serious medical event that affects brain function, often resulting in physical and cognitive changes that can alter personality and behavior. Depending on the area of the brain impacted, a person who has suffered a stroke may experience emotional instability, irritability, or sudden bouts of anger that they have never displayed before.
This condition, known as “post-stroke anger,” can make individuals respond aggressively to situations they would have previously handled calmly. Strokes impact the brain’s ability to regulate mood and impulse control, and many stroke survivors find themselves facing emotional reactions they cannot fully understand or control.
Diabetes
Most people don’t usually associate diabetes with behavioral issues. Still, the fact is that the same hormones that our body uses to control blood sugar are also used to mitigate stress. Thus, in some cases, diabetes, especially when it is poorly managed, can cause significant shifts in behavior due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can trigger symptoms like confusion, dizziness, irritability, and aggression.
When blood sugar drops too low, the brain does not receive enough glucose to function correctly, causing irrational, aggressive, or violent responses. Diabetic individuals experiencing a hypoglycemic episode may act in ways that are completely out of character, even having limited or no memory of their actions afterward. Unfortunately, these episodes can escalate quickly, particularly if others are unaware of the medical cause behind the behavior.
Dementia
Dementia is a progressive condition that impairs memory, reasoning, and judgment, often leading to significant personality changes. In its early stages, dementia may be virtually undetectable, but it can still cause a person to experience unexplained confusion, fear, and frustration, which can sometimes result in unintentional aggression. Behavioral changes are particularly common in the later stages of dementia, where a person might become suspicious, paranoid, or feel threatened by those around them.
Due to dementia’s effects on cognitive function, a person may lash out physically or verbally without intending harm. In many cases, they may not even fully comprehend their actions. This type of behavior can be challenging for family members to understand and can lead to conflicts that result in domestic violence charges.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, particularly those prescribed for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, can have side effects that contribute to behavioral changes. Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, are known to cause side effects like irritability, impulsivity, and, in rare cases, even violent behavior.
Other medications, including some antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants, can also increase aggression or reduce impulse control as a side effect. If you’re taking medication and have experienced behavioral shifts that seem uncharacteristic, it’s essential to consult with your doctor. They may need to adjust the dosage or explore alternative medications to reduce these risks.
Seeking Compassionate Legal Help
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Los Angeles or southern California, understanding any possible medical factors behind your behavior can be an essential step in building your defense. While these conditions do not excuse violent actions, they can help provide the court with a fuller picture of what may have contributed to the incident—and sometimes, they can even result in reduced charges. Courts increasingly recognize the role of mental health and medical conditions in criminal cases, and the state provides resources that can assist you in getting the help you need. Having an experienced attorney who understands these nuances is crucial in these cases. For compassionate legal representation for domestic violence charges, call our offices today.