A Tale of Parasites And Rage

www.dailyrxnews.com The parasite Toxoplasma gondii could be the star in a Hollywood science fiction film. One-third of the world is infected with it, though it rests dormant in most people. The tomcat outside may have it. You may have it. And it could drive you crazy. According to a press release issued by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, a new study has linked the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) to repeated bouts of rage, a disorder known as intermittent explosive disorder (IED).

I'm Gabe Garza with today's health news. According to a press release issued by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, a new study has linked the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), to repeated bouts of rage, a disorder known as intermittent explosive disorder (IED). T. gondii is a very common parasite that lays dormant in most people. Study co-author said, this "indicates that this parasite could be having significant effects on anger-related emotions and behavior in people with mental illness." T. gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. It has been linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as dangerous behaviors, such as suicide attempts and car accidents. According to the CDC, more than 60 million men, women, and children in the US carry the Toxoplasma parasite, but very few show symptoms. And according to the press release, as many as 16 million Americans could suffer from IED. For dailyRx, I'm Gabe Garza.