The modulatory role of serotonin on human impulsive aggression

The hypothesis of chronically low brain serotonin levels as pathophysiologically linked to impulsive aggression has been around for several decades. Whereas the theory was initially based on indirect methods to probe serotonin function, our understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in impulsive aggression has progressed with recent advances in neuroimaging. The review integrates evidence based on data from several neuroimaging domains in humans. In vivo molecular neuroimaging findings demonstrate associations between impulsive aggression and high serotonin 1B and serotonin 4 receptor binding, high serotonin transporter levels and low monoamine oxidase A levels, suggesting that low interstitial serotonin levels is a neurobiological risk factor for impulsive aggressive behavior.
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research