Diagnosis of Anger Issues Flashcards

Which physiological measurement is commonly used in biofeedback-assisted anger diagnosis to detect autonomic arousal during provocation?

Answer: Galvanic skin response (GSR)

Galvanic skin response measures electrodermal activity linked to sympathetic nervous system arousal and is used to detect physiological anger reactions.

When conducting a risk assessment with an angry client, which factor MOST significantly increases the risk of violent behavior?

Answer: History of prior violent behavior toward others

Past violent behavior is the single strongest empirical predictor of future violence and must be weighted heavily in any risk assessment.

A client reports anger episodes with sudden onset, rapid de-escalation within 30 minutes, and no premeditation. These features are MOST consistent with which type of aggression?

Answer: Reactive/impulsive aggression

Reactive or impulsive aggression is characterized by rapid onset in response to perceived threat or frustration, short duration, and lack of planning.

Which comorbid condition is MOST frequently found alongside anger disorders and can amplify aggressive responses through hypervigilance and threat perception?

Answer: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD commonly co-occurs with anger disorders, and its hypervigilance and threat-sensitization symptoms significantly increase aggressive reactivity.

The Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) developed by Buss and Perry measures four dimensions of aggression. Which of the following is NOT one of those dimensions?

Answer: Passive aggression

The Buss-Perry AQ measures physical aggression, verbal aggression, hostility, and anger—passive aggression is not one of its four subscales.

A client's anger appears to be consistently triggered only when they perceive being disrespected or treated unfairly. A CSAM clinician would identify this as which type of anger trigger?

Answer: Injustice trigger

Injustice triggers are activated when an individual perceives unfair treatment, disrespect, or violation of personal rights, a common anger trigger category.

Which interview technique is MOST effective for eliciting accurate anger episode information when a client is defensive or minimizing?

Answer: Motivational Interviewing techniques

Motivational Interviewing's non-confrontational, empathic approach is most effective at reducing defensiveness and eliciting honest self-disclosure about anger behavior.