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Assessing and Treating Anger in the Context of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

   

Continuing Education

This section brings together free in-depth Continuing Education resources for the Professional community concerned with trauma.

Assessing and Treating Anger in the Context of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Date Created: 09/28/2026
  • Time to Complete: 1 hour
  • Credits: ACCME, ANCC, APA, ASWB, NBCC, Other Orgs
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Course Series: PTSD 101, PTSD Consultation Program

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Assessing and Treating Anger in the Context of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Author(s):

Stephanie Wells, PhD & Kirsten Dillon, PhD

Description

Problematic anger is a common presenting concern among Veterans with PTSD and is associated with increased suicidality as well as poorer treatment outcomes. Trauma-focused treatments for PTSD can reduce anger; however, effect sizes are often small, and many patients are left with residual anger.

This online course focuses on helping clinicians to think about how to assess and treat anger among Veterans with PTSD. The authors present on several psychometrically valid assessments of anger, discussing how to best incorporate self-report findings in treatment and measurement-based care. They also discuss the theoretical basis for the association between anger and PTSD, the function of anger in PTSD, and how to respond when anger shows up during sessions. Insights regarding how trauma-focused treatments can be optimized to maximize reductions in problematic anger are shared.

Goals and Objectives

  • List at least 2 outcomes associated with anger in the context of PTSD
  • Identify at least one commonly used anger assessment
  • Discuss the difference between adaptive and maladaptive anger
  • Describe at least one tool for addressing anger during PTSD treatment

PTSD Information Voice Mail: (802) 296-6300
Email: ncptsd@va.gov
Also see: VA Mental Health

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