ANGER REGULATION DEFICITS IN COMBAT-RELATED POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER

We describe a typology of regulatory deficits associated with anger in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive, arous al, and behavioral domain deficits in anger regulation were observed c linically in PTSD patients with high levels of anger who were particip ating in a multi-year trial of a structured anger treatment. We also d escribe a category of patients whose anger type we have termed ''ball of rage.'' These patients exhibit regulatory deficits in all three dom ains of anger regulation. We offer a conceptual framework to advance t he understanding of anger associated with PTSD and to guide its effect ive treatment.