Anger level and anger expression in generalized anxiety disorder

作者：Erdem Murat^*; Celik Cemil; Yetkin Sinan; Ozgen Fuat

来源：Anadolu Psikiyatri Dergisi, 2008, 9(4): 203-207.

• generalized anxiety disorder
• anger level
• anger expression

Objective: In patients with generalized anxiety disorder, emotional reactions appear easier, faster and more intense than other people. Anger is an emotion that is useful when appears in a short time and mild severity but it may be destructive when it becomes continuous or severe. The aim of this study was to compare the anger level and expression of the subjects with generalized anxiety disorder and healthy control group. Methods: Forty consecutive generalized anxiety disorder patients who attended to outpatient psychiatry unit were included in the present study. A control group of 40 healthy persons, matched for age, gender and education with study group was also included. To evaluate anxiety levels, trait anger and anger expression, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Trait Anger Expression Inventory were used respectively. Results: In patients with generalized anxiety disorder, trait anger, anger in and anger out subscale scores were higher than the controls; anger control subscale scores were lower than controls. In addition, in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, the trait anxiety level correlated positively with anger in and anger out subscale scores, and correlated negatively with anger control scores. Discussion: The findings of the present study indicated that trait anger levels and anger expression significantly influence the development of the generalized anxiety disorder and the level of anxiety. Therefore understanding and coping with the anger of GAD patients may contribute much to the management of these cases. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2008; 9:203-207)

• 出版日期2008