Although anger is not an illness nor a DSM-5 Diagnosable
Disorder, it is often the subject of counselors and psychotherapists who view
all behaviors as subject to counseling or psychotherapy (“treatment”). The
rationale often used is that anger is often a symptom of other disorders such
as anxiety or depression or personality disorders and therefore should be
explored in treatment.
The American Psychological Association fought tirelessly to
get anger listed as an illness in the DSM-5 without success. After years of
research, the Group For The Advancement Of Psychiatry that is responsible for
the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual decided against adding anger as an
illness. Consequently, the insurance industry as well as the criminal justice
system are seeking non-psychiatric evidenced based interventions based on skill
enhancement in self-awareness, self-control, social awareness and relationship
management. These programs must include a Pre and Post Test along with a
published curriculum designed to teach skills in impulse control.
Currently, Emotional Intelligence skill enhancement in
impulse control is the favored choice of intervention for anger management
programs in the U.S., Canada, England as well as Argentina, Puerto Rico and
Mexico.
Problem anger has long been associated with substance abuse
and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, in both of these disorders, anger
is a prominent symptom but not the primary diagnoses. Therefore, anger
management must always be seen as an adjunct of the mental health intervention
rather than the intervention of choice for the DSM-5 diagnosed disorder.
All Certified Anger Management Facilitators (CAMF) must be
trained to provide Pre and Post Tests in Emotional Intelligence/Impulse Control
and coaching for the defined deficits that are identified in the initial
assessmment. Client workbooks must contain the exercises needed to master these
skills.
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