Anger regulation deficits in combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder

We describe a typology of regulatory deficits associated with anger in combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive, arousal, and behavioral domain deficits in anger regulation were observed clinically in PTSD patients with high levels of anger who were participating in a multi‐year trial of a structured anger treatment. We also describe a category of patients whose anger type we have termed “ball of rage.” These patients exhibit regulatory deficits in all three domains of anger regulation. We offer a conceptual framework to advance the understanding of anger associated with PTSD and to guide its effective treatment.