Duke University School of Medicine has received a $1,493,450, four-year grant from the Department of Defense to develop and test a mobile app-based cognitive rehabilitation program to improve anger management among Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“While there are programs addressing general mental health concerns, fewer evidence-based tools specifically target anger and impulsivity in Veterans with TBI and PTSD, conditions that frequently co-occur and severely impact daily functioning,” said Eric Elbogen, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and the project's principal investigator.
Veterans with both TBI and PTSD often have a hard time regulating anger and impulsive behaviors, which can negatively affect their relationships, employment, and risk for violence or suicidal ideation.
Elbogen and his colleagues will evaluate the Cognitive Applications for Life Management (CALM) mobile app, designed to improve cognitive functions—such as attention and goal management—that underlie emotional regulation. Researchers will recruit 100 Veteran-family/friend pairs, randomly assigned to either use CALM or receive brain health education over three months, with ongoing support via videoconference.
Social support networks will be engaged to enhance adherence and outcomes, reflecting a holistic approach to Veteran care. Outcome measures will assess changes in anger, impulsivity, cognitive functioning, and mental health at baseline, three-month, and six-month intervals.
If proven effective, the CALM platform could provide an accessible, affordable, and scalable tool to help Veterans better manage anger and reduce related negative consequences, including aggression and suicidal ideation. Future research may expand the program to active-duty service members preparing to transition out of military service.
The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, 808 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick MD 21702-5014 is the awarding and administering acquisition office. This work is supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs endorsed by the Department of Defense, through the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program under Award No. HT9425-25-1-0534. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs or the Department of Defense.