Aggression: the testosterone-serotonin link.

Isr Med Assoc J

Forensic Psychiatric Division, Be'er Yaakov Mental Health Center, Magen Prison, Ramleh, Israel.

Published: September 2003

The relevance of central neurotransmission to aggressive and impulsive behavior has become more evident due to extensive research in humans and animals. Among other findings, there are abundant data relating low serotonergic activity--as measured by low cerebrospinal fluid 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid, and a blunted response of prolactin to fenfluramine--to impulsive behavior. Many studies on testosterone activity show a relation between high plasma levels and a tendency towards aggression. It is hypothesized that the interaction between low serotonin and high testosterone levels in the central nervous system has a significant effect on the neural mechanisms involved in the expression of aggressive behavior. It seems that testosterone modulates serotonergic receptor activity in a way that directly affects aggression, fear and anxiety. Our survey reviews the main findings on serotonin, testosterone and the possible interaction between them with regard to these behavioral phenomena.

Download full-text PDF

Source

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

impulsive behavior
8
aggression testosterone-serotonin
4
testosterone-serotonin link
4
link relevance
4
relevance central
4
central neurotransmission
4
neurotransmission aggressive
4
aggressive impulsive
4
behavior evident
4
evident extensive
4

Similar Publications

Associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and aggressive behavior have often been demonstrated, but the mechanisms underneath these relations are yet unclear. As high levels of ACEs and aggression have been found among individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD dimensions might explain this association. Moreover, maladaptive emotion regulation is common in ADHD and was associated with aggressive behavior.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Addiction medicine is confronting challenges brought about by changes in our modern world, including shifts in the drug market and the increasing digitalization of our environments. This article highlights some of these challenges and explores potential strategies to address them. The field is also advancing through robust research momentum in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A key question about social media use is whether it constitutes an addiction. A possible frame of reference to investigate this question is the Incentive Sensitizations Theory (IST), as it provides a solid empirical background to understand the motivational and hedonic aspects of problematic behaviors. A central assumption of IST that addiction-related cues play a pivotal role in addictive behaviors has remained relatively understudied in the context of social media use.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Repetitive behaviors are the hallmark of many neuropsychiatric disorders, including Tourette syndrome (TS), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Tics, compulsions, and stereotypies may appear similar and can be difficult to disentangle. This review addresses similarities and differences between these behaviors including clinical presentations, neuroimaging, genetics, and treatment paradigms in order to clarify the relationship between these disorders.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study provides preliminary evidence for real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rt-fMRI NF) as a potential intervention approach for internet gaming disorder (IGD). In a preregistered, randomized, single-blind trial, young individuals with elevated IGD risk were trained to downregulate gaming addiction-related brain activity. We show that, after 2 sessions of neurofeedback training, participants successfully downregulated their brain responses to gaming cues, suggesting the therapeutic potential of rt-fMRI NF for IGD (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!