Toward a Rational Pharmacotherapy for Aggressive and Violent Behavior
Abstract
A substantial body of research with both animals and humans demonstrates that pharmacologic modulation of three neurotransmitter systems (the GABAergic, the noradrenergic, and the serotonergic) and electrical stimulation of regions of the brain produce marked alterations in aggressive and violent behavior. The author reviews this research and uses case reports to illustrate how it has been applied in the development of a rational pharmacotherapy for violent patients. Four basic principles of clinical application that can enhance trials of pharmacologic treatment of the violent patient are identified. Evidence suggests that behavioral and social learning approaches to the treatment of violence can be more effective when administered after the patient has been stabilized through pharmacologic interventions.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
