Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Aggressive Behavior, and Anger: Recent Findings and Treatment Recommendations

Abstract

While cognitive-behavioral treatment has been shown to be effective in treating anger in the general population, there is little empirical evidence to support the utility of these interventions in reducing anger, hostility, and aggression among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, many existing interventions for anger do not directly target hostile cognitive scripts or discuss processes of risk for aggressive behavior, two notable anger-related constructs that are reported at higher rates for patients with PTSD compared to those without PTSD. Thus, the authors reviewed the theoretical foundation for a newly developed cognitive-behavioral intervention for the treatment of anger, hostility, and aggression for patients with PTSD. Furthermore, the authors recommended several screening and assessment measures to aid in referral for anger-specific interventions for patients with PTSD and provided empirically based support for the use of motivational interviewing techniques in responding to patients who exhibit intense anger within treatment settings.