Effectiveness of an anger control program among veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues: A comparative study

Objective This study examines the effectiveness of an anger management program among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Method Veterans with (n= 76) and without (n= 58) PTSD completed anger management groups at the Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Self-rated checklists of anger and PTSD symptoms (for those with PTSD) were completed before and after the group. Results Significant improvement in anger was observed in the overall sample (p < .001) but did not differ based on PTSD diagnosis. No significant PTSD symptom changes were observed. Conclusions Veterans with broad mental health concerns benefited significantly from this anger management program, consistent with prior research. Implications for program improvement and future research are discussed.