Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a condition characterized by sporadic outbursts of aggression caused by a lack of impulse control. These episodes involve severe assault or property destruction, but there is no impulsive or aggressive behavior in between. IED, also referred to as intermittent explosive disorder, frequently results in explosive eruptions that may include verbal assaults, physical injuries, or property damage.
Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by several common symptoms, such as irritability, rage, increased energy, and racing thoughts. It can also lead to depression or fatigue, as well as a sense of relief after experiencing outbursts of anger. Common indications of this disorder include road rage, domestic abuse, object destruction or throwing, and tantrums. Although the exact causes are still uncertain, it is believed to be influenced by various factors.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder may be influenced by a range of factors, including environmental, genetic, and brain chemistry factors. These factors include early exposure to anger and abuse during development, inheriting the disorder from a parent, and imbalances in brain chemistry such as serotonin deficiency. It is also suggested that males aged between their teens and twenties are more likely to experience this disorder.
In my opinion, the Beast from Beauty and the Beast displays symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, which is perceived by others as a continuous state of anger. Initially, the Beast was a typical young man in his late teens or early twenties who lived in a distant castle and had wealth. However, after he declined to offer shelter to an elderly woman, she cursed him and turned him into a monstrous creature. As a result, he isolated himself while his staff magically transformed into furniture.
Belle and her father resided in a small town far away from the beast’s castle. As an inventor, Belle’s father was en route to a convention when a storm began. Losing his way, he unintentionally ended up at the castle and entered since no one answered the door. Upon entering, he encountered the beast who furiously yelled at him and subsequently threw him into a cold tower. Several days later, Belle embarked on a search for her father and coincidentally stumbled upon the castle. Once inside, she eagerly sought out her father, but the Beast promptly arrived and commanded her to leave. However, Belle pleaded with the Beast to release her father. Instead, the Beast decided to keep Belle in place of her father, sentencing her to remain with him forever. Without allowing Belle to bid farewell, the Beast sent her father back home. Overwhelmed with sadness for not having said goodbye, Belle wept bitterly. Moved by her distress, the Beast relented and allowed Belle to reside in the more pleasant region of the castle.
In the evening, the Beast extended an invitation to Belle for supper. However, she declined, stating that she had no appetite. This refusal angered the Beast, prompting him to leave his room and head downstairs. He forcefully knocked on Belle’s door and shouted at her to come down. After venting his initial frustration, he regained composure and politely requested her company. Nonetheless, Belle remained steadfast in her refusal. This only served to aggravate the Beast further, leading him to issue a threat that if she refused to dine with him, she would not eat at all. Feeling frustrated, he returned to his room where he paced about in anger. Eventually, he expressed a desire to see Belle again and upon doing so, his anger dissipated.
Belle grew hungry and decided to search for food in the kitchen. Some servants offered their assistance, but one warned against it, fearing the Beast’s wrath. Regardless, the Beast insisted on dining with Belle, forbidding her from eating alone. Eventually, they served Belle and then escorted her to the library. They informed her that she could explore the library except for a restricted section. However, Belle’s curiosity overpowered her and she ventured into the forbidden area where she stumbled upon the disheveled room of the Beast. The room was in chaos with torn curtains and scattered furniture.
The Beast had torn his own portrait of his human form. Belle stumbled upon the rose that symbolized his curse. The Beast entered and questioned her presence, to which she apologized. Losing control, the Beast advanced towards her, shouting and throwing things, demanding her departure. Fleeing the castle, Belle was ambushed by wolves. In pursuit, the Beast rescued Belle but was injured by the wolves in the process.
Belle and the Beast returned to the castle, where Belle tended to his wounds. While cleaning up, the Beast became angry and yelled at her for leaving. However, Belle expressed her gratitude for saving her life, which helped calm the Beast down. The following morning, Belle found herself outside while the Beast observed her from the balcony. He expressed his love for her and desired to do something special. As a result, he led her into the library, radiating happiness. Later that day, Belle and the Beast shared a meal together. The Beast then revealed a magical mirror to Belle, who requested to see her father.
Belle’s father was ill and the Beast felt remorseful for not allowing her to bid him farewell. Subsequently, the Beast dispatched Belle to assist her father and equipped her with the magic mirror. Upon returning home, Belle discovered that the townspeople were attempting to send her father to a mental health facility. In response, Belle unveiled the Beast’s reflection in the mirror. Provoked by this revelation, the townspeople raced towards the castle with the intent to slay the Beast. Meanwhile, inside his tower, the Beast anxiously awaited their arrival. As Gustaf reached the top and aimed an arrow at the Beast, he instinctively defended Belle by attacking Gustaf.
He once again lost his temper almost killing Gustaf but shortly after dangling Gustaf over the side of the castle, he regained control of himself and released Gustaf. When Belle kissed the beast, his spell was lifted and he transformed back into a human. I believe that the Beast had Intermittent Explosive Disorder because he exhibited a fierce temper and would destroy his belongings. Additionally, he would verbally abuse his servants. When he became enraged, he couldn’t manage his anger, but once he calmed down, he would return to a state of positivity and contentment.
In the movie, the Beast was kind and gentle towards Belle once he learned to manage his temper. The definition of Intermittent Explosive Disorder states that individuals with this disorder exhibit severe aggression and property destruction, but in between episodes, they may appear happy and well-adjusted. I also believe this characterization aligns with the Beast, as he was a young male in his late teens or early twenties, which research indicates is a demographic more prone to developing Intermittent Explosive Disorder.
One reason I believe the beast has Intermittent Explosive Disorder is seen when he becomes furious with Belle. He has bursts of energy and jumps across the stairs, banging on her door and demanding her to come out. This is also a sign of Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Additionally, the beast’s actions, such as destroying his room and ripping apart a picture of himself, are similar to the signs of Intermittent Explosive Disorder. The furniture in his bedroom was also destroyed.
The servants of the Beast were aware of his temper and anger, advising him repeatedly to manage it. While the Beast could be furious and cruel during his outbursts, there were moments when he was content and joyful, particularly when Belle was present. I think there were environmental and possibly chemical factors contributing to his Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Although it is not mentioned whether the Beast suffered childhood abuse, I believe he endured mistreatment from others in the community due to his appearance as a “beast”.
The Beast’s animosity towards the world may have stemmed from being despised and endangered by humans. It is possible that mistreatment played a role in fueling his anger. The transformation from a human to a beast suggests the presence of a potential chemical imbalance within him. With characteristics reminiscent of both bears and wolves, animals recognized for their ferocity, it is challenging to ascertain whether his condition has genetic origins due to our limited understanding of his familial background, including his parents.
There are multiple factors that may have contributed to the transformation of the Beast. These include his wealth and popularity, as well as his transition from beauty to beast. However, I personally believe that the chemical imbalance in his brain (brain chemistry) and environmental influences played a more significant role in this change. It was observed that once he received affection and love, his hatred diminished. Additionally, upon becoming human again, he was accepted by others once more. Nevertheless, since the movie ends at this point, we cannot be entirely certain if all of his anger had completely subsided.
