Status:

RECRUITING

Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA)

Lead Sponsor:

VA Office of Research and Development

Collaborating Sponsors:

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

University of South Florida

Conditions:

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Aggression

Eligibility:

All Genders

18-64 years

Phase:

NA

Brief Summary

PTSD is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting Veterans who have served since 9/11. Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report difficulty controlling impulsive agg...

Detailed Description

Aggression can have devastating interpersonal and societal consequences, including incarceration, family violence, disruption of treatment-facilitating factors, and death. About 50% of Veterans with f...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • Male and female Veterans who deployed to combat zones since 9/11.
  • Currently meets criteria for full or subthreshold PTSD, determined by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
  • Engaged in at least 3 self-reported aggressive acts (e.g., yelling, throwing objects, hitting objects/people) in the last month, measured by the Overt Aggression Scale
  • Impulsive aggression is his/her primary form of aggression, determined by the Impulsive Premeditated Aggression Scale
  • Each Veteran must allow an independent aggression rater (live-in partner, family member, or roommate above 18 years of age)\] verify the number of aggressive acts, using the Overt Aggression Scale.
  • Agreement not to change psychotropic medications through the duration of the study.

Exclusion

  • Currently suicidal with intent of self-harm in the last week.
  • Currently homicidal with plans to hurt a specific person.
  • Unable to complete self-report measures.
  • Meets diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder.
  • Had a psychotropic medication change within 4 weeks prior to the baseline assessment. Veterans receiving general mental health services or engaging in usual care will be allowed to participate.

Key Trial Info

Start Date :

January 3 2022

Trial Type :

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation :

ESTIMATED

End Date :

June 30 2026

Estimated Enrollment :

204 Patients enrolled

Trial Details

Trial ID

NCT04793776

Start Date

January 3 2022

End Date

June 30 2026

Last Update

December 3 2025

Active Locations (2)

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Page 1 of 1 (2 locations)

1

James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida, United States, 33612

2

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX

Houston, Texas, United States, 77030