EFFECTS OF CLORAZEPATE, DIAZEPAM, AND OXAZEPAM ON A LABORATORY MEASUREMENT OF AGGRESSION IN MEN

The effects of three benzodiazepines on human aggressive behavior were examined in 44 medically healthy men. Volunteers were administered ei ther placebo, 10 mg diazepam, 15 mg chlorazepate, or 50 mg oxazepam or ally using double-blind procedures. Approximately 90 min after drug in gestion, participants were given the opportunity to administer electri c shocks to an increasingly provocative fictitious opponent during a c ompetitive reaction-time task. Aggression was defined as the level of shock the participant was willing to administer to the opponent. Resul ts support the notion that diazepam (but not all benzodiazepines) can elicit aggressive behavior under controlled, laboratory conditions. Im plications regarding the clinical use of various benzodiazepines for t he tranquilization of potentially assaultive patients are discussed. I nt Clin Psychopharmacol 13:183-188 (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilk ins.