Hypothalamic lesions and intermittent explosive disorder.
The authors present two cases of patients with craniopharyngiomas who meet the DSM-III-R criteria for intermittent explosive disorder. Episodes of rage developed before and/or after surgery for removal of the craniopharyngioma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hypothalamic-hypophyseal involvement. It is suggested that hypothalamic lesions played a major role in the development of aggressive behavior in both cases.
Tonkonogy
J M
JM
Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655.
Geller
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D014754:Violence