Nerd Rage: How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms

Nerd rage. It’s an under-researched  disorder, but has affected almost all nerds at one point in their lives. In most cases, the rage lasts a few hours, or even days, but when does it become a problem? When does the rage warrant a call to a professional?

Nerd rage, for the purposes of this article, is defined primarily by, “…the inability of a nerd {or geek} to recover from discrepancies between a movie and a comic book… sufferers may focus on a dislike for a superhero costume re-design, experience anxiety over casting choices, and a general sense of unease regarding plot points….extreme cases may render the individual almost catatonic or, conversely, cause them to act out and use all capitals on social media…”

Together, we can fight this disease and bring attention to the need for more research, but education is the key. Learn to recognize the early warning signs to help prevent this debilitating condition. Below is a list of symptoms and methods of contraction to help you determine if you or someone you love may suffer from nerd rage. This article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advise of a medical professional, and is for informational purposes only. If you feel you may have nerd rage, seek help immediately.

Symptoms of Nerd Rage:

1. An inability to stop talking (or tweeting or texting) about how much one hated the movie adaptation of a comic
2. Engaging in frequent arguments with peers about the awfulness of said movie
3. “Taking a break” from social media until the movie in question is no longer plastered all over one’s timeline
4. Sense of detachment from the world and feelings of isolation
5. Homicidal ideations

Nerd Rage – Possible Recent Triggers:

1. Even the remote implication that Han did not shoot first.
2. The handling of the Mandarin in Iron Man 3
3. Jar Jar Binks (enough said)
4. Hawkeye’s wife saying, “You know I support your avenging…” in Avengers: Age of Ultron (It’s just such a bad line and caused me much distress)
5. Man of Steel – Superman kills Zod
6. Jane Walker. Thor has nothing in common with her. Poor Sif.

If you suspect someone is afflicted with nerd rage, but has not been affected by any recent triggers, regression therapy may be necessary to determine the source of the illness. There may be latent hostilities remaining from long past comic book-to-movie transgressions. Exploring these repressed feelings is crucial to coming to terms with and managing the disillusionment and anger that are hallmark traits of the disorder.  Treatment and recovery differ for every individual, and may range from a simple hug after watching Star Wars, Episode 1, to a frontal lobotomy.

A nerd you love may be suffering. Don’t let them suffer in silence.