RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06094933

Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention for Veterans

Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Enrollment

150 participants

Start Date

Nov 12, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anger Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Summary

Difficulty controlling anger is the most commonly reported reintegration concern among combat Veterans, especially those with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Problematic anger is associated with significant functional impairment. In the current project, the investigators will compare the Mobile Anger Reduction Intervention (MARI) with a health education mobile intervention (HED) among Veterans with PTSD and problematic anger. Participants will be randomized to the MARI or HED condition. The hypothesis is that participants in the MARI condition will experience greater anger reductions and functional improvements relative to the HED condition.

Eligibility

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a mobile phone app-based intervention to help veterans with PTSD manage anger more effectively. Anger and irritability are common in PTSD, and this program aims to reduce them through a structured smartphone-based program called MARI. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a veteran with a confirmed PTSD diagnosis (PCL-5 score of 33 or above) - You have significant anger problems (scoring 12 or higher on a validated anger scale) - Your psychiatric medications have been stable for at least 3 months with no planned changes in the next 6 months - You can read at least at a 6th grade level **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are currently experiencing active psychosis or mania - You have active suicidal or homicidal thoughts requiring urgent care - You have previously used the MARI app in another research study - You are currently receiving other anger management therapy or PTSD-focused psychotherapy Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALMobile Anger Reduction Intervention (MARI)

This is a mobile intervention that uses interpretation bias modification (IBM) techniques to reduce the hostile interpretation bias. Participants will download the MARI app and be instructed to complete at least 5 treatment sessions each week for a period of 4 weeks. Each session takes approximately 10 minutes. The app also includes a Nightly Diary to track symptoms, a calendar to program session reminders, and a My Progress feature to track use and performance.

BEHAVIORALHealth Education Condition (HED)

This is a mobile application that delivers videos with psychoeducation about healthy habits and selfcare for general wellness. Participants will download the HED app and be instructed to use it at least 5 times a week for a period of 4 weeks.