Effects of d-amphetamine on human aggressive behavior.
Male research subjects were administered placebo and three doses of d-amphetamine (5, 10 and 20 mg/70 kg) in a laboratory situation which provided both aggressive and non-aggressive response options. The non-aggressive response was button pressing maintained by presentation of points exchangeable for money at the end of the session. The aggressive response was button pressing on a separate manipulanda which ostensibly subtracted points from a fictitious partner. Aggressive responding was elicited by subtracting points from the research subjects which was attributed to the fictitious partner. d-Amphetamine increased both aggressive and non-aggressive responding, particularly at 5 and 10 mg/70 kg. At the highest dose (20 mg/70 kg), aggressive responding decreased to levels similar to those observed during placebo sessions, while monetary reinforced responding remained elevated.
Cherek
D R
DR
Steinberg
J L
JL
Kelly
T H
TH
Robinson
D E
DE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology
D003913:Dextroamphetamine