• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • OCD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • OCD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

PTSD & Anger: Connections, Complications, & Treatment

Published: June 15, 2022
Published: 06/15/2022
Headshot of Shirley Porter, RP, CCC
Written by:

Shirley Porter

RP, RSW, CCC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What’s the Link Between PTSD & Anger?PTSD & Anger
  • Can Anger Worsen PTSD Symptoms?Anger & PTSD Symptoms
  • PTSD & Anger in RelationshipsPTSD Anger & Relationships
  • Constructive & Destructive PTSD AngerConstructive Vs. Destructive
  • Signs That PTSD Anger Is Becoming an IssueSigns of Anger Issues
  • How to Manger PTSD Anger & Rage AttacksHow to Manage Anger
  • PTSD & Anger Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • How Loved Ones Can Help With PTSD AngerHow Loved Ones Can Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • PTSD & Anger InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Shirley Porter, RP, CCC
Written by:

Shirley Porter

RP, RSW, CCC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Anger, one of the most prevalent PTSD symptoms, is often experienced more intensely by trauma survivors.1 PTSD anger may be expressed both outwardly and internally, sometimes resulting in increased hypervigilance, aggression, self-harm, suicidality, or self-hatred. These symptoms can greatly impact a person’s life and relationships, as well as be a source of significant distress and danger.

Therapy can help you recover from trauma. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What’s the Link Between PTSD & Anger?

Research has found that the greater the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, the greater the severity of accompanying anger.2,3,4 One theory suggests that increased anger occurs as a consequence of how trauma changes the brain to recognize potential threats. In other words, the brain appears to become more likely to misinterpret the actions and intentions of others as hostile and threatening.5

It has further been proposed that among survivors of complex PTSD (prolonged and/or repetitive trauma), anger is often a response to changes in self-perception. Trauma can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, a sense of isolation, and perceiving oneself as permanently damaged or “not good enough.” These feelings and beliefs appear to be linked to internalized anger.6

PTSD Anger & Violence

Those with PTSD who experience a great deal of dysregulated anger are also at risk for acts of aggression towards others, making them more likely to engage in violence with interpersonal partners or those close to them. The impact of PTSD on one’s ability to manage anger is evident by how strongly-connected poor emotional regulation is to one’s ability to navigate emotions in relational contexts.

Anger & PTSD in Combat Veterans

There is a strong link between anger and PTSD in combat veterans. Due to the environmental nature and constant exposure to violence in war, combat veterans struggle with dysregulated anger. This increases their risk for angry outbursts as well as suicide. These behaviors are tied with a higher probability of risky behaviors, criminal activity, and physical aggression toward others.

Can Anger Worsen PTSD Symptoms?

When dealing with PTSD symptoms, there is a possibility that anger or irritability is an automatic response, as the body has been conditioned to respond in this way over the course of traumatic exposure. When anger becomes the go-to response, it can impact many areas of your life, including work and family.

Arousal

Anger is connected to different processes within the body. Muscles become tense and stiff as the mind and emotions enter into survival mode when reacting to a PTSD trigger. Emotional dysregulation is evident in this scenario and can feel much more intense for those with PTSD. They may be triggered easily and have a harder time coming down from the arousal, leaving them feeling on edge. One may even self-soothe by harming themself or someone else, or misusing drugs or alcohol.

Behavior

When we are dealing with anger or any kind of threat, by nature we try to protect ourselves. Those with a history of trauma often react with aggression, as this may be their only known or learned way of responding. This can leave someone behaving impulsively with little thought prior to their actions.

Thoughts & Beliefs

Those with PTSD tend to believe that there is a threat everywhere (called hypervigilance). Having their trauma experience as a baseline approach to life results in a harder time reconciling these negative, limiting beliefs. They may need help understanding how their trauma is impacting their worldview in various scenarios.

Other PTSD Symptoms That May Occur With Anger

With PTSD and anger, common symptoms include irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation). These are typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects. Another potential symptom is reckless or self-destructive behavior.2 The latter reflects inwardly expressed anger, while the former is an example of externalized anger.7 In general, men are more likely to express outward anger, while women with PTSD more often internalize their anger.5,8,9,10

Other symptoms that may appear alongside PTSD anger include:7

  • Irritable behavior
  • Angry outbursts
  • Hostility
  • Bitterness
  • Resentment
  • Verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects
  • Reckless or self-destructive behavior
  • Self-harming
  • Suicidality
  • Self-hatred

PTSD & Anger in Relationships

PTSD and anger are associated with increased physical and psychological aggression, which can cause significant problems in relationships.11,12 For legitimate reasons, loved ones may become afraid of the trauma survivor’s angry and aggressive outbursts, ultimately leading to an increased sense of isolation and shame for the trauma survivor.

Physical aggression and relationship problems related to PTSD are higher among those in the military and men as opposed to civilians and women.10 Still, even civilian men with symptoms of PTSD engage in twice as many aggressive and violent acts in their intimate relationships compared to men who are not experiencing symptoms.11

Constructive & Destructive PTSD Anger

Anger as a symptom of PTSD can be used constructively or destructively. For example, it can motivate a productive discussion with someone you feel has offended you or is threatening something important to you. While uncomfortable, you can better understand their intentions and motivations, maybe even improve the relationship. Anger can also motivate you to take positive action in your community.

However, PTSD anger can feed resentment, bitterness, and hostility as well. You might use it to fuel aggression toward others in the form of verbal, psychological, physical, or sexual attacks. This will only lead to problems in all areas of your life and destroyed important relationships. Anger can be further destructive if focused inward, sometimes causing one to engage in self-harm (e.g., cutting or burning the skin), high-risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol or substance use, drunk driving, starting fights), suicidal actions, and/or self-hatred.

Signs That PTSD Anger Is Becoming an Issue

After trauma, your anger becomes a serious problem when it’s negatively impacting your relationships or if you’re using it to justify threats or acts of abuse. If you notice any signs of problematic anger, you should talk to your primary care physician (PCP) and/or a professional counselor.

Signs that your PTSD anger is becoming a problem can include:

  • Increased or constant irritability, hostility, or resentment
  • Anger and/or aggression that negatively impacts your relationships
  • Anger is interfering with your ability to function appropriately in one or more areas of your life
  • You are using anger as an excuse to justify threats or abuse
  • Your angry reaction is much “bigger” than the specific situation warrants
  • Increased reliance on alcohol or other substances to numb angry feelings
  • Increased negative self-talk and/or participation in self-punishing behavior

Help For Trauma / PTSD

Talk Therapy – Get help recovering from trauma from a licensed therapist. Betterhelp offers online therapy starting at $60 per week. Get matched With A Therapist


Virtual Psychiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with expert psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Free Assessment


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp and Talkiatry.

How to Manger PTSD Anger & Rage Attacks

If you are finding it difficult to redirect your anger in a positive way, there are techniques and strategies to express, release, and transform how you feel. Remember, despite the fact that PTSD can be responsible for causing increased anger, it does not excuse you from personal responsibility or accountability for violent behavior.5

Here are six techniques and strategies to help you better manage your anger:

  1. Walk away from the situation: If possible, give yourself some physical and emotional space from a triggering situation.
  2. Take a deep breath: We often forget to breathe when we feel afraid or angry, so focus on your breathing for at least 60 seconds.
  3. Notice what has triggered your anger: Ask yourself, “What line do you feel has been crossed?” “What do you feel is being threatened?”
  4. Notice the “size” of your anger: If your anger seems too big in comparison to the “size” of the situation, then you’re likely being triggered. Acknowledgment can help release some of the tension.
  5. Let out the anger safely: If you’re able, tap into and release your anger while doing a productive physical activity. If you feel it in your lower body, consider going for a walk or run. If you feel it in your upper body, hit a punching bag or do push-ups, chest presses, or arm curls.
  6. Once calm, have a respectful conversation: When you’ve calmed down, return to the conversation. Focus on your observations and feelings, but avoid name-calling, blaming, and bringing up the past. Try to understand the other person’s point of view and intentions, and accept an apology if offered. Work together to find a way to move forward if needed.

PTSD & Anger Treatment Options

Treatment for PTSD often includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Try to find a mental health professional who has expertise in PTSD and anger. Together, you can discuss if medication for anger would be beneficial for your unique situation.  Family or couples counseling is another option to consider if PTSD-related anger is impacting your relationships. Outside of treatment, getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, reducing unnecessary “drama” in your life, and practicing progressive relaxation are all healthy ways to reduce PTSD anger outbursts.

Therapy

PTSD symptoms of anger and aggression can greatly impact your life and relationships over time. Allowing your trauma and anger to go unresolved is not helpful. Anger management counseling programs, among others, can help you implement long-term change in the way you express your anger.13 

To find the right therapist, consider getting a referral from your primary care physician or using an online therapist directory. Here, you can sort by therapist specialty and insurance coverage.

Trauma therapies that can be used for PTSD-anger include:13,14,15

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD
  • Exposure therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for PTSD
  • Relaxation training

Medication

Although psychotherapy and counseling for PTSD appear to be more effective than medication, it is still a good option for some.16 Certain medications used to treat PTSD, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)* and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs),* help with mood stabilization, working to reduce irritability, anger, and aggression.16,17,18 Your physician or psychiatrist can work with you to determine whether medication is appropriate for you.

*This medication has a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting this medication.

How Loved Ones Can Help With PTSD Anger

If your loved one is struggling with PTSD and anger, encourage them to seek professional help. Let them know that effective support is available to manage their increased anger and irritability. You may also benefit from counseling, given the distress that can come from supporting a loved one with PTSD-related anger. It is painful and even traumatic to watch a loved one self-destruct while feeling powerless to stop it.

If your loved one is expressing anger in aggressive or violent ways toward you and/or others, don’t excuse or minimize these behaviors. While their anger may be a result of PTSD, they are still responsible for how they express it. Take steps to protect yourself and any vulnerable children. When we allow loved ones to get away with aggressive behaviors, they lose respect not only for us but for themselves as well.

If your loved one is engaging in self-destructive behavior, gently tell them what you have observed. For example, you might say something like, “I love you and see how much you are hurting.” You could also say, “I believe this is related to the trauma you experienced,” or ask them, “If I made an appointment for you to talk with a counselor, would you go with me?” All of these statements and questions can make a positive impact.

Final Thoughts

Everyone experiences PTSD differently and your situation is unique. If PTSD-related anger is causing distress in your life and relationships, it is time to ask for support. Let trusted loved ones know what you are dealing with, and reach out to your doctor and/or a mental health professional. If this seems like too much, ask a family member to help. Remember, PTSD anger does not have to be a life sentence. There is hope for healing.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with expert psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Free Assessment

Trauma & Abuse Newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by trauma or abuse. Get encouragement, helpful tips, and the latest information. Sign Up

Mindfulness

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Talkiatry, and Mindfulness.com

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

PTSD & Anger Infographics

Link Between PTSD & Anger   Signs That PTSD Anger Is an Issue   Managing PTSD Anger & Rage Attacks

18 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Rosen, C. J., Adler, E. P., & Tiet, Q. Q. (2013). Presenting Concerns of Veterans Entering Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(5), 640–643. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21841

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: APA.

  • Eshel, N., et al. (2021). Neural correlates of anger expression in patients with PTSD. Neuropsychopharmacology, 46(9), 1635–1642. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-00942-y

  • Orth, U. R., et al. (2008). Anger and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in crime victims: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(2), 208–218. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.76.2.208

  • Taft, C. T., Creech, S. K., & Murphy, C. M. (2017). Anger and aggression in PTSD. Current opinion in psychology, 14, 67-71.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.11.008

  • Hagenaars, M. A., Fisch, I., & van Minnen, A. (2011). The effect of trauma onset and frequency on PTSD-associated symptoms. Journal of affective disorders, 132(1-2), 192-199.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2011.02.017

  • Dyer, K. F. W., et al. (2009). Anger, aggression, and self-harm in PTSD and complex PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(10), 1099–1114. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20619

  • Castillo, D. T., et al. (2002). ANGER IN PTSD: GENERAL PSYCHIATRIC AND GENDER DIFFERENCES ON THE BDHI. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 7(2), 119–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/153250202753472282

  • Miller, M. W., & Resick, P. A. (2007). Internalizing and externalizing subtypes in female sexual assault survivors: Implications for the understanding of complex PTSD. Behavior therapy, 38(1), 58-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2006.04.003

  • Taft, C. T., Watkins, L. L., Stafford, J., Street, A. E., & Monson, C. M. (2011). Posttraumatic stress disorder and intimate relationship problems: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(1), 22–33. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022196

  • Jakupcak, M., & Tull, M. T. (2005). Effects of trauma exposure on anger, aggression, and violence in a nonclinical sample of men. Violence and victims, 20(5), 589-598.

  • Morland, L. A., et al. (2012). Treating anger and aggression in military populations: Research updates and clinical implications. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19(3), 305-322.

  • Chemtob, C. M., et al. (1997). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for severe anger in posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 65(1), 184–189. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.65.1.184

  • Shea, M. T., Lambert, J., & Reddy, M. K. (2013). A randomized pilot study of anger treatment for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Behaviour research and therapy, 51(10), 607-613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2013.05.013

  • Stapleton, J. A., Taylor, S., & Asmundson, G. J. G. (2006). Effects of three PTSD treatments on anger and guilt: Exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and relaxation training. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19(1), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.20095

  • Bernardy, N. C., & Friedman, M. J. (2015). Psychopharmacological strategies in the management of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): what have we learned? Current Psychiatry Reports, 17(4), 564–564. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0564-2

  • Albucher, R. C., & Liberzon, I. (2002). Psychopharmacological treatment in PTSD: a critical review. Journal of psychiatric research, 36(6), 355-367.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3956(02)00058-4

  • Yehuda, R. (1999). Managing anger and aggression in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. PubMed, 60 Suppl 15, 33–37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10418813

update history

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

  • Originally Published: April 14, 2021
    Original Author: Shirley Porter, RP, RSW, CCC
    Original Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD

  • Updated: June 15, 2022
    Author: No Change
    Reviewer: No Change
    Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Added “PTSD and Relationship Violence”, “Anger and PTSD in Combat Veterans”, and “How Can Anger Complicate PTSD Symptoms?”. New material written by Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C and reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.

Recent Articles

fawning
Fawning: The Fawn Response to Trauma Explained
Fawning is an adaptive survival response to prolonged or complex trauma. The fawn response is characterized by placating and...
';
fight or flight response
Fight or Flight Response: What It Is & How It Works
We’ve all experienced the trauma response known as fight-or-flight at some point. Imagine you are sitting on a bench...
';
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious Trauma: Definition, Symptoms, & How to Cope
Vicarious trauma is the trauma that emergency workers and therapists can develop by working with individuals who are actively...
';
Postpartum Rage
Postpartum Rage: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Postpartum rage refers to parental irritability, irritation, and sometimes aggression after giving birth. Many parents report increased overwhelming, unmanageable...
';
How to Deal With Mom Rage
How to Deal With Mom Rage – Practical Tips From a Therapist
Coping with mom rage starts with recognizing your frustrations and making the effort to take a deep breath, walk...
';
Anger in Children: Signs, Causes, & Treatments
Anger in Children: Signs, Causes, & Treatments
A child who is experiencing anger may have various reactions and may exhibit different symptoms including shutting down, experiencing...
';
Headshot of Shirley Porter, RP, CCC
Written by:

Shirley Porter

RP, RSW, CCC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What’s the Link Between PTSD & Anger?PTSD & Anger
  • Can Anger Worsen PTSD Symptoms?Anger & PTSD Symptoms
  • PTSD & Anger in RelationshipsPTSD Anger & Relationships
  • Constructive & Destructive PTSD AngerConstructive Vs. Destructive
  • Signs That PTSD Anger Is Becoming an IssueSigns of Anger Issues
  • How to Manger PTSD Anger & Rage AttacksHow to Manage Anger
  • PTSD & Anger Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • How Loved Ones Can Help With PTSD AngerHow Loved Ones Can Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • PTSD & Anger InfographicsInfographics
Call for immediate help
Emergency: 911
Suicide Hotline: 988
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo