The effects of diazepam (valium) and aggressive disposition on human aggression: an experimental investigation.
Sixty male subjects with self-reported high, moderate, and low aggressive dispositions were given the opportunity to aggress, by administering electric shocks, against an increasingly provocative fictitious opponent within the context of a competitive reaction time task. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) 10 mg of diazepam or (2) placebo. Results indicated that diazepam-intoxicated subjects aggressed by selecting the highest shock setting (10) more frequently than did nonintoxicated subjects. High hostile subjects were also more influenced by the aggression-enhancing effects of diazepam than moderate and low hostile subjects. Benzodiazepine-facilitated aggression is discussed in the context of individual differences and the importance for physicians to assess a patient's disposition prior to prescribing such medication.
Ben-Porath
Denise D
DD
Department of Psychology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH 44118-4581, USA. dbenporath@jcu.edu
Taylor
Stuart P
SP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D003975:Diazepam