Synopsis "Treatment of PTSD-Related Anger in Troops Returning From Hazardous Deployments"
This manual "Treatment of PTSD-Related Anger in Troops Returning From Hazardous Deployments," was devised to guide therapists to implement a cognitive behavioral treatment to veterans who recently returned from combat, and have PTSD symptoms of hyperousal, including clinically significant problems with anger. The treatment is meant to be conducted in an outpatient setting and includes the following elements: psychoeducation about responses to trauma, particularly following deployment in a war-zone, trauma-related anger difficulties, stress, and aggression; regular self-monitoring of anger frequency, intensity, and situational triggers; arousal reduction, including (but not limited to) diaphragmatic breathing and guided imagery training; cognitive restructuring of anger schemas by altering attentional focus, modifying expectations and appraisals, using self-instruction, increasing task-orientation, and decreasing rumination; enhancement of behavioral skills in communications, diplomacy, respectful assertiveness, prepatory coping, and strategic withdrawal; progressive exposure to anger provoking stimuli including construction of a personal anger provocation hierarchy. It is critical in this treatment that there is a collaborative involvement between the therapist and patient. Also, the therapist's approach should be supportive and validating, while at the same time directive and didactic.
