New 3-session therapy aims to curb aggression in veterans with PTSD

NCT ID NCT04793776

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a short, 3-session program called MERA (Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression) for veterans with PTSD who struggle with impulsive aggression. The program teaches skills to manage emotions better, with the goal of reducing aggressive outbursts and preparing veterans for longer PTSD treatments. Researchers will compare MERA to a standard supportive therapy in 204 veterans who served since 9/11.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA) - a brief behavioral therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a short, practical treatment to help veterans with PTSD control impulsive aggression and feel more ready for standard PTSD therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage trial (204 participants) comparing two behavioral interventions, so results may not generalize widely. The treatment is brief (3 sessions), which may not be enough for some veterans.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Aggression Emotional Regulation post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AGGRESSION EMOTION REGULATION STRESS DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL
RECRUITING

Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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