Relationship between 5-HT function and impulsivity and aggression in male offenders with personality disorders.
BACKGROUND
Reduced serotonergic (5-HT) function and elevated testosterone have been reported in aggressive populations.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate relationships between impulsivity, aggression, 5-HT function and testosterone in male offenders with personality disorders.


METHODS
Sixty male offenders with DSM-III-R personality disorders and 27 healthy staff controls were assessed using the Special Hospital Assessment of Personality and Socialisation (SHAPS), impulsivity and aggression ratings, d-fenfluramine challenge and plasma hormone concentrations.


RESULTS
The SHAPS non-psychopaths and those with schizoid personality disorders had enhanced 5-HT function (prolactin response to d-fenfluramine). Reduced 5-HT function was found in offenders with DSM-III-R borderline personality disorders and those with a history of repeated self-harm or alcohol misuse. The 5-HT function was inversely correlated more strongly with impulsivity than with aggression. Plasma testosterone correlated positively with aggressive acts. The SHAPS primary psychopaths had lower initial cortisol and higher testosterone concentrations than controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies are needed to investigate regional brain 5-HT function.
Mental Health Services Salford (MHSS) and Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit (NPU), The University of Manchester Department of Psychiatry, Manchester M25 3BL, UK.
M
M
Dolan
I M
IM
Anderson
J F
JF
Deakin
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D005277:Fenfluramine; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011594:Psychometrics; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000503:physiopathology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D005277:Fenfluramine; D012701:Serotonin; D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone