PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF AGGRESSION AND VIOLENCE IN THE SUBSTANCE USING POPULATION

Advances in our knowledge of the neurobiology of aggression and violen ce has given rise to rational pharmacological treatments for these beh aviors. The main biological systems which are known to be involved are the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyr ic acid (GABA), and electrophysiological activity in the brain. Abnorm al functioning of these systems may also be complicated or caused by a buse of various psychoactive substances, particularly alcohol and stim ulants. Adding further to this interaction is the high incidence of ps ychiatric disorders in the substance-using population, providing other behavioral influences and accompanying neurobiological dysregulation. Understanding of the interaction of these components has led to succe ss in the treatment of aggressive and violent behaviors using selectiv e serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's), lithium carbonate, beta-adre nergic blockers, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, neuroleptics, and novel agents such as anti-androgens and serenics.