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Problematic Anger in the Military: Focusing on the Forgotten Emotion

  • Military Mental Health (VF Capaldi, II, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Problematic anger is common in veteran and military populations, yet understudied relative to other mental health difficulties. However, in recent years, more clinical and research attention has been turned to problematic anger. This paper highlights important new findings in the epidemiology, course, and neurobiology of anger, the associations of anger with other mental health problems and risk, and next steps for research and practice.

Recent Findings

In longitudinal research, findings show that problematic anger changes over the life course of military members and veterans, and that deployment increases the likelihood of problematic levels of anger. Problematic anger is related to a range of mental health issues, most perniciously aggression and suicidality. Promising new assessment and treatment approaches are emerging, including innovations that leverage digital technology.

Summary

Key areas of research include advancing assessment of problematic anger to identify patterns of heterogeneity, as well as advancing the evidence base for anger treatments. Recommended progress in clinical practice include conducting routine assessment of problematic anger in veteran and military populations, developing prevention and early intervention for at risk individuals, and optimizing the timing of interventions throughout the military lifecycle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia

    David Forbes, Olivia Metcalf & Ellie Lawrence-Wood

  2. Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA

    Amy B. Adler

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Correspondence to David Forbes.

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Material has been reviewed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. There is no objection to its presentation and/or publication. The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting true views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

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Forbes, D., Metcalf, O., Lawrence-Wood, E. et al. Problematic Anger in the Military: Focusing on the Forgotten Emotion. Curr Psychiatry Rep 24, 789–797 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01380-x

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