0666 Need a novel method to reduce anger after combat? Treat sleep apnea

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Dysregulated anger can result in devastating health and interpersonal consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Compared to civilians, combat veterans and service members (C-V/SM) report higher levels of anger and often have risk factors for anger including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, alcohol use, and impaired sleep. Methods The current study examined the relative contributions of established variables associated with anger (e.g., combat exposure, current PTSD symptoms, history of TBI, pain interference, and hazardous alcohol use) in 1,263 C-V/SM. Sleep impairments, represented by poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, were also evaluated as potential mediators of the relationships between established risk factors and anger, and therefore potential modifiable treatment targets. Results Multiple regression model results revealed that PTSD symptoms (β = 0.517, p < .001), OSA risk (β = 0.057, p = .016), pain interference (β = 0.214, p < .001), and hazardous alcohol use (β = 0.054, p = .009) were significantly associated with anger. Results of the mediation models revealed that OSA risk accounted for associations between PTSD and pain interference with anger. Conclusion Treating OSA may be a novel way to reduce anger in C-V/SM who have PTSD and/or pain interference. The current study extends previous literature by simultaneously examining factors associated with anger using a multivariable model in a large sample of C-V/SM. Support (if any) This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs endorsed by the Department of Defense, through the Psychological Health/Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium (LIMBIC) Award/W81XWH-18-PH/TBIRP-LIMBIC and with resources and the use of facilities at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, or any other U.S. government agency. For more information, please contact dha.TBICOEinfo@mail.mil. UNCLASSIFIED