The association says "problem anger" is leading to inappropriate reactions to minor irritations and is causing strain on families and other relationships.

"We need to be able to recognize when anger is damaging our lives, ask for help and receive it," foundation spokesman Andrew McCullough told Sky News Tuesday.

The survey said 23 percent of Britons had a friend or relative with anger issues while 28 percent said they had concerns about their own ability to control anger.

A full two-thirds said they were convinced that people in general were becoming angrier.

McCullough said the findings should encourage healthcare workers to look for people with anger-management problems and refer them to treatment.