Relationship between 5-HT function and impulsivity and aggression in male offenders with personality disorders

Reduced serotonergic (5-HT) function and elevated testosterone have been reported in aggressive populations. To investigate relationships between impulsivity, aggression, 5-HT function and testosterone in male offenders with personality disorders. Sixty male offenders with DSM-III-R personality diso...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of psychiatry 2001-04, Vol.178 (4), p.352-359
Main Authors: DOLAN, M, ANDERSON, I. M, DEAKIN, J.F.W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aggression
Aggression - physiology
Aggressiveness
Alcohol
Alcohol abuse
Antisocial personality disorder
Anxiety
Borderline personality disorder
Brain
Cortisol
Fenfluramine
Humans
Hydrocortisone - blood
Impulsive behavior
Impulsive Behavior - physiopathology
Impulsivity
Male
Males
Offenders
Personality
Personality Disorders - physiopathology
Personality Disorders - psychology
Personality tests
Plasma
Prisoners - psychology
Prolactin
Prolactin - blood
Psychiatry
Psychometrics
Schizotypal personality disorders
Self injury
Self-Injurious Behavior - physiopathology
Serotonin
Serotonin - physiology
Substance-Related Disorders - physiopathology
Testosterone
Testosterone - blood
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Summary:Reduced serotonergic (5-HT) function and elevated testosterone have been reported in aggressive populations. To investigate relationships between impulsivity, aggression, 5-HT function and testosterone in male offenders with personality disorders. Sixty male offenders with DSM-III-R personality disorders and 27 healthy staff controls were assessed using the Special Hospital Assessment of Personality and Socialisation (SHAPS), impulsivity and aggression ratings, d-fenfluramine challenge and plasma hormone concentrations. The SHAPS non-psychopaths and those with schizoid personality disorders had enhanced 5-HT function (prolactin response to d-fenfluramine). Reduced 5-HT function was found in offenders with DSM-III-R borderline personality disorders and those with a history of repeated self-harm or alcohol misuse. The 5-HT function was inversely correlated more strongly with impulsivity than with aggression. Plasma testosterone correlated positively with aggressive acts. The SHAPS primary psychopaths had lower initial cortisol and higher testosterone concentrations than controls. Future studies are needed to investigate regional brain 5-HT function.
ISSN:0007-1250
1472-1465
DOI:10.1192/bjp.178.4.352