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Abstract
Alterations in the activity of central serotonergic systems have been implicated in
impulsive and aggressive behavior. We examined the neuroendocrine and psychological
responses of 24 substance users with differing levels of aggressiveness and impulsivity
to the oral administration of an indirect serotonin agonist fenfluramine (60 mg) or
placebo given in a double-blind crossover design. All subjects were volunteers on
a closed research ward and were abstinent from drugs for a minimum of 5 days. Baseline
plasma prolactin (PRL) levels were greater in the groups with higher levels of self-reported
aggressiveness and impulsivity. When adjusted for the baseline, PRL and cortisol responses
180 min after fenfluramine administration were significantly elevated in subjects
with higher levels of aggressiveness and impulsivity. Peak cortisol levels were correlated
with impulsivity. PRL and cortisol responses to fenfluramine were more strongly correlated
with impulsivity than aggressiveness. Also, the more impulsive subjects reported a
decrease in subjective states of depression, hostility and anxiety after drug treatment.
These data further support the hypothesis of altered serotonergic activity in aggressive
and impulsive behaviors.
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Article info
Publication history
Received in revised form:
October 28,
1988
Received:
August 18,
1988
Identification
Copyright
© 1989 Published by Elsevier Inc.
