Correlates of recent and lifetime aggression among veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders

Aggressive behavior is strongly associated with both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance-use disorders (SUDs) among civilians. However, little research has examined correlates of aggression among Veterans with co-occurring PTSD and SUD. This exploratory study examined the prevalence and correlates of recent (i.e. past 30 days) and lifetime aggressive behavior among a sample of US Veterans (n = 97) enrolled in a study examining integrated psychosocial treatment of co-occurring PTSD/SUD. The findings revealed high rates of recent and lifetime aggressive behaviors (39.2% and 57.7%, respectively). Participants who endorsed recent aggressive behaviors were younger, had less education, more severe PTSD numbing and hyperarousal symptoms, were more likely to report recent suicidal ideation, more frequent alcohol and marijuana use, had higher rates of physical and sexual abuse, greater combat exposure, and more severe aftermath of battle experiences. Participants who endorsed lifetime aggression wer...