Anger and Aggression in UK Treatment-Seeking Veterans with PTSD

Abstract

Prevalence rates of anger and aggression are often higher in military personnel. Therefore, it is important to understand more about why this is, and the factors with which it is associated. Despite this, there is little evidence relating to anger and aggression in UK veterans who are seeking treatment for mental health difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the prevalence rates of anger and aggression in this population, as well as the associations between anger and aggression, and various sociodemographic, functioning and mental health variables. A cross-sectional design was used, with participants completing a battery of self-report questionnaires. Prevalence rates for significant anger and aggression were 74% and 28% respectively. Both women and those over 55 were less likely to report difficulties. Those with high levels of PTSD and other mental health difficulties were more likely to report anger and aggression. Other factors related to anger and aggression included unemployment due to ill health, and a perceived lack of family support. Findings showed that veterans who are seeking support for mental health are likely to be experiencing significant difficulties with anger and aggression, especially if they have comorbid mental health difficulties. The associations between anger, aggression, and other variables, has implications for the assessment and treatment of military veterans.

Anger in occupations characterized by repeated threat and stress exposure: The longitudinal view in the military context.

“…In U.S. veterans, for example, 11.2% of those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq reported perceived problems controlling violent behavior, which was significantly associated with both aggressive impulses and difficulty managing anger (Elbogen et al, 2010). Similar rates have been reported in U.K. veterans returning from deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, with 12% reporting violent behavior and 10% reporting physical assault (MacManus et al, 2012(MacManus et al, , 2015Turgoose & Murphy, 2018). These rates of anger and aggression are significantly greater in treatment-seeking veterans (74% and 28%, respectively), highlighting the considerable overlap between anger and other mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Turgoose & Murphy, 2018).…”

Working with British Army Families: A Qualitative Study of Child Protection Practitioners' Views and Experiences

“…Gribble, 2017; MoD, 2020; Pye and Simpson, 2017; Thandi et al ., 2017). Studies by the King's Centre for Military Health Research have provided insights into: military children's wellbeing (Williamson et al ., 2018); the prevalence and risks of unaddressed needs in the military community, including increased risk of mental health problems, alcohol use and aggression (Gribble et al ., 2019; Turgoose and Murphy, 2018); experiences of partners who support military‐traumatised personnel (Murphy et al ., 2017); and transgenerational transmission of traumatic and moral injury (Jones, 2018). These studies identify factors that affect how adults experiencing trauma and stress may face problems maintaining intimate relationships and providing consistent and emotionally responsive care to their children.…”

Integrated Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Comorbid Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Study with a Military Veteran

“…Furthermore, veterans are more likely to report problems with aggressive behavior if they do not feel supported by their family. Anger and aggression are often reported to be areas of difficulty in veteran populations where they impact social relationships, employment, or day to day functioning (Turgoose & Murphy, 2018).…”