Cognitive-behavior therapy for reduction of persistent anger

Although persistent anger is not represented in DSM-IV as a psychiatric disorder, it is nevertheless a significant clinical problem. Based on ourexperience with both research and clinic patients from a diverse urban population, and drawing on methods utilized by others, we have refined and elaborated several treatment strategies that appear useful for anger reduction. The strategies derive from a counterconditioning treatment model: patients are exposed (either naturally or by design) to situations that may evoke anger, white they apply physiological, cognitive, and/or behavioral methods that can dampen the habitually angry response. The specific anger-reduction methods include: applied muscle relaxation, cognitive reappraisal, inhibition of overresponding, and reversal of underresponding (through acquisition of effective communication and problem-solving skills). Preliminary evidence is presented indicating that anger patients experience significant reduction in the intensity, duration, and frequency of anger reactions after completing 12 sessions of therapy utilizing these anger-reduction methods.