Mobile intervention to reduce anger in Veterans with PTSD
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention for Veterans
This study is testing a new mobile program designed to help Veterans with PTSD manage their anger better compared to a regular health education program.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06094933 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to address the common issue of anger management among combat Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will compare the Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention (MARI) with a health education mobile intervention (HED) to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing anger and improving functional outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the MARI or HED condition, with the hypothesis that MARI will lead to greater reductions in anger and enhanced functionality. The intervention leverages mobile health technology to reach Veterans in need of effective anger management solutions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who also report significant issues with anger.
Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing active psychosis or severe suicidal ideation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve anger management and overall quality of life for Veterans with PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of mobile health interventions is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting anger reduction in PTSD has not been widely tested, making it a novel endeavor.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans diagnosed with PTSD, established via chart review and a score of greater than or equal to 33 on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) * Reporting a score of greater than or equal to 12 on the 5-item Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale * Have not had any changes to type or dose of psychiatric medications for 3 months, with no plans to make adjustments in the next 6 months * Able to read at least 6th grade level material Exclusion Criteria: * Currently in a period of active psychosis or mania * Exhibit current prominent suicidal or homicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention * Have used the MARI application before as part of another research study * Receiving (or plan to receive) other anger management psychotherapy or trauma-focused therapy for PTSD (i.e., prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy during the course of the study
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kirsten H Dillon, PhD — Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Study coordinator: Kirsten H Dillon, PhD
- Email: Kirsten.Dillon@va.gov
- Phone: (919) 286-0411
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.