BIOGENIC-AMINES AND THE PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY OF AGGRESSION

Neurobiological research has implicated a wide variety of neurochemica l agents in the modulation of aggressive behaviour patterns. The bioge nic amines serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine have been the focus o f much of this research. Recent advances in neuroscience have facilita ted understanding of biogenic amine neurotransmission in the regulatio n of aggressive agonistic behaviour patterns in animal and primate mod els, as well as human populations suffering from neuropsychiatric illn ess. This article reviews recent developments in the field, drawing on both the primary and recent patent literature. A rationale for consid ering pharmacological intervention when aggression occurs as a symptom of neuropsychiatric illness is discussed based on new developments in biogenic amine receptor physiology.