Treatment for anger and aggression in military personnel after betrayal

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment program designed to address chronic anger and aggression stemming from military-related betrayal among active duty service members and veterans. Participants will engage in a series of 14 treatment modules delivered bi-weekly, with assessments conducted before, during, and after the treatment to measure changes in anger and aggression levels. The study will also explore participant satisfaction and the feasibility of implementing the treatment in a military outpatient setting, with options for telebehavioral health if necessary.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult active duty military service members and veterans aged 18 or older.
* Endorses a history of military-related betrayal (on the Modified Moral Injury Questionnaire)
* Endorses problematic anger in the past month (as evidenced by a score of 12 or above on the Dimensions of Anger Reactions; DAR-5)
* Engaged in at least 1 self-reported act of aggression in the past 1 month (on the Overt Aggression Scale-Modified; OAS-M)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participated in an anger management or trauma-focused intervention within the past 3 months as assessed by self-report.
* Acute suicidality requiring immediate intervention, such as hospitalization as assessed by the Depressive Symptoms Index-Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) combined with follow up clinical interview for elevated scores.
* Is currently homicidal with plans and intent to hurt a specific person and requiring immediate intervention as measured by self-report and follow-up with clinician if screened positive.
* Moderate to severe brain injury as measured by inability to comprehend the informed consent document or baseline assessments.
* Has severe alcohol consumption patterns as evidenced by a score of 19 or above on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).
* Experiencing active psychosis or mania as measured by the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief Version and the Mood Disorders Questionnaire.

Where it's running

• Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) at Fort Cavazos
  Fort Cavazos, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Vanessa Jacoby, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
• Study coordinator: Vanessa Jacoby, PhD
• Email: jacobyv@uthscsa.edu
• Phone: (254) 289-3468

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.