A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention for Veterans with PTSD and Problematic Anger

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a mobile health intervention for combat Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have difficulty controlling anger. Problematic anger in this group is linked to serious challenges such as social and work problems, family conflicts, aggression, and increased suicide risk. The study compares a new Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention (MARI), designed to reduce hostile interpretation bias, with a health education mobile app (HED) to see which better decreases anger and improves daily functioning. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either the MARI app or the HED app on their own smartphones for 4 weeks. The MARI app includes interpretation bias modification techniques, requiring at least five 10-minute sessions per week, plus tools like a nightly diary and progress tracking. The HED app provides videos on healthy habits and self-care, also used five times weekly. Both groups have equal usage expectations to compare effects fairly. Throughout the study, researchers will assess anger levels, hostile interpretation bias, social and occupational functioning, quality of life, and suicidal thoughts at the end of treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Participants' symptoms and app usage will be monitored, with outcomes measured to understand the impact of the mobile interventions. The total participation time includes the 4-week app use and subsequent follow-up assessments lasting up to 6 months after treatment starts.

Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention