Psychotherapy for Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness two forms of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy ) for individuals with anger and aggression problems. Anger and aggression are everywhere - on the road, in the schools, at little league games, at home, and at work. In this study we are testing usefulness of anger management techniques in reducing symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and impulsive, aggressive behavior.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Qualified participants will be randomly assigned to 12 1-hour sessions of either cognitive-behavioral therapy or supportive psychotherapy. Participation in this study will require 16 visits over approximately 4 months with 3 follow-up sessions over a 12 month period. Therapy is provided at no cost and each study participant will receive a comprehensive psychological assessment. Two types of talk therapy are being offered in this study. One form of therapy focuses on thought and behaviors associated with anger and aggression. This type of therapy is known as cognitive behavioral therapy. The other type of therapy focuses on the individuals' feeling about their anger /aggression and the situations that lead to this anger. This is known as supportive therapy. The form of therapy you are given will be randomly determined (like by flipping of a coin).

Official Title
-----------------
Individual Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy for Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Conditions
-----------------
Anger, Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
* Behavioral: Supportive Psychotherapy


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Have problems with anger, temper outbursts, being irritable, getting in trouble at work or at home because of impulsive/aggressive behavior. Between the ages of 18 and 55. Meet other eligibility requirements as outlined by the research protocol. Exclusion Criteria: CHECK ON THIS

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: 2<br>Supportive Psychotherapy | Behavioral: Supportive Psychotherapy<br>* Twelve weekly therapy sessions, approximately one hour each in duration<br>|
| Active Comparator: 1<br>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cognitive Restructuring, Relaxation, and Coping Skills Training: CRCST) | Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy<br>* Twelve weekly therapy sessions, approximately one hour each in duration<br>* Other names: Cognitive Restructuring, Relaxation, and Coping Skills Training;|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Overt Aggression Scale - Modified (OASM) |  | Screen Visit, Pre-Therapy visit, Therapy sessions 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, Post-Therapy Visit, 3, 6, and 12-month Follow-Up Vists | 
| State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory - Trait Anger Scale [STAXI-T] |  | Pre-Therapy visit, Therapy session 7, Post-Therapy visit | 
| Intermittent Explosive Disorder Interview |  | Diagnostic Interview, Post-Therapy Visit (Modified), 3, 6, and 12-month Follow-Up vists (modified) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Behavioral aggression measures (Taylor Aggression Paradigm [TAP], Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm [PSAP]) |  | Pre-Therapy Visit, Post-Therapy Visit, 3, 6, and 12-month Follow-Up visits | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
anger, intermittent, explosive