Serotonin and aggression in children.
Research consistently indicates that in animals and adults, reduced central serotonergic (5-HT) function is associated with increased aggression. This relationship has been elucidated via cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite levels, hormonal responses to pharmacologic challenge using serotonergic probes, platelet receptor binding studies, and, more recently, through molecular genetic approaches. In contrast, studies examining the relationship of 5-HT to aggression in children have been characterized by inconsistent findings. The literature examining the relationship between central 5-HT function and aggression is reviewed. Several hypotheses that might account for the discrepancies in the child literature are examined.
Mitsis
E M
EM
Department of Psychology, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
Halperin
J M
JM
Newcorn
J H
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D004777:Environment; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D012919:Social Behavior
D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase