Citation

McCloskey MS, Berman ME, Echevarria DJ, Coccaro EF. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 2009; 33(4): 581-590.

Affiliation

Pritzker School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. mmcclosk@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00872.x

PMID

19183141

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the serotonin (5-HT) system in alcohol-related aggression. METHODS: Specifically, we experimentally examined the effects of 5-HT augmentation on alcohol-related aggression in men (n = 56). After consuming either alcohol (mean blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%) or a placebo (no alcohol) drink, and taking either 20 mg of paroxetine (Paxil) or a placebo pill, participants were provided the opportunity to administer electric shock to a (faux) opponent during a task disguised as a reaction-time game. Aggression was defined as the intensity of shock chosen and the frequency with which an extreme (clearly painful) shock was chosen. We predicted that 5-HT augmentation would be associated with lower aggressive behavior overall, and also reduce the aggression facilitating effects of acute alcohol intoxication. RESULTS: The results indicated that alcohol intoxication increased aggression, particularly under low provocation. Paroxetine decreased aggression, particularly during high provocation. These effects, however, occurred independently of each other. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of alcohol on extreme aggression was moderated by previous aggression history, with more aggressive individuals showing greater alcohol-related increases in extreme aggression.

Language: en