title: Neuroreceptor mechanisms of aggression and its treatment.
abstract: Aggression results from the interaction of multiple systems. It can be classified as predatory, impulsive, or based on a medical condition. The likelihood of aggression is increased by environmental overstimulation or stress, transmitter balances favoring dopamine and excitatory amino acid transmission over serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid transmission, and the presence of problems related to impulsivity. Treatments for aggression are based on the underlying causes and generally should combine pharmacologic and environmental or psychotherapeutic measures. Useful pharmacologic agents include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics that combine dopaminergic and serotonergic actions. Drugs acting on nicotine receptors may deserve further attention. Nonpharmacologic measures include behavioral techniques aimed at reducing impulsivity, relapse prevention techniques for substance abuse, and anger management techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Alan.C.Swann@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Alan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Swann
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D008094:Lithium