Interpersonal hostility and violence in vietnam combat veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: A review of theoretical models and empirical evidence

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There is strong evidence that anger and violence are prevalent problems in Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder, and a summary of relevant empirical studies is presented. However, the pathways responsible for development and perpetuation of anger and violence in this clinical population have been unidentified. Available information processing and neurobiological models regarding how anger and aggression may be dysregulated in response to trauma are reviewed. Anger and interpersonal violence in Vietnam veterans with PTSD may have a distinct etiology and maintenance compared to other disorders, and may be directly related to neurobiological and trauma-related factors. Although anger has not yet been directly modeled in accordance with theories of PTSD, these models may provide frameworks for investigating how anger may be associated with the development and maintenance of PTSD. Additional suggestions for future research are offered.