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PTSD, Anger and Aggression: Epidemiology, Aetiology and Clinical Practice

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Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Abstract

Anger and aggression are common phenomena in PTSD, with many negative consequences as reduced physical health and poor family functioning. When PTSD is accompanied by anger and aggression, treatment outcome is worse. Anger and aggression itself are difficult conditions to treat. Given the negative consequences of anger and aggression, it is important to gain knowledge regarding the etiology of the complaints. The original focus on PTSD as an anxiety disorder is extended to emotion regulation, including anger and aggression. That is illustrated by the growing amount of research into the etiology of PTSD and the role of other stress responses to trauma, especially that of anger and aggression in PTSD. Anger and aggression seem to be related to the hyperarousal symptoms in PTSD, involving a lowered threshold for threat. Biologically, the close link between PTSD, anger, and aggression can be found in brain regions that regulate aggression, hyperarousal, and anxiety. Furthermore, the role of rumination, visual imagery, and language processing will be discussed, as well as treatment directions.

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Abbreviations

DSM-5:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (of Mental Disorders)

DSM-IV:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (of Mental Disorders)

GABA:

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

PFC:

Prefrontal Cortex

mPFC:

Medial Prefrontal Cortex

MRI:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reinier van Arkel, Psychotrauma Center South Netherlands, Bethaniëstraat 10, PO Box 10150, 5260 GB Vught, 5211 LJ, ‘s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

    Jan Rodenburg & Boris Drožđek

  2. Research Center Military Mental Health Care, Dutch Ministry of Defence, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Lieke Heesink

  3. University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Lieke Heesink

Authors
  1. Jan Rodenburg
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  2. Lieke Heesink
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  3. Boris Drožđek
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Correspondence to Jan Rodenburg .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Buckinghamshire New University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom

    Colin R. Martin

  2. Kings College, London, United Kingdom

    Victor R. Preedy

  3. University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom

    Vinood B. Patel

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Rodenburg, J., Heesink, L., Drožđek, B. (2015). PTSD, Anger and Aggression: Epidemiology, Aetiology and Clinical Practice. In: Martin, C., Preedy, V., Patel, V. (eds) Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08613-2_82-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08613-2_82-1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-08613-2

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