Effects of acute alcohol intoxication and paroxetine on aggression in men.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the serotonin (5-HT) system in alcohol-related aggression.


METHODS
Specifically, we experimentally examined the effects of 5-HT augmentation on alcohol-related aggression in men (n = 56). After consuming either alcohol (mean blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%) or a placebo (no alcohol) drink, and taking either 20 mg of paroxetine (Paxil) or a placebo pill, participants were provided the opportunity to administer electric shock to a (faux) opponent during a task disguised as a reaction-time game. Aggression was defined as the intensity of shock chosen and the frequency with which an extreme (clearly painful) shock was chosen. We predicted that 5-HT augmentation would be associated with lower aggressive behavior overall, and also reduce the aggression facilitating effects of acute alcohol intoxication.


RESULTS
The results indicated that alcohol intoxication increased aggression, particularly under low provocation. Paroxetine decreased aggression, particularly during high provocation. These effects, however, occurred independently of each other.


CONCLUSIONS
The effect of alcohol on extreme aggression was moderated by previous aggression history, with more aggressive individuals showing greater alcohol-related increases in extreme aggression.
McCloskey
Michael S
MS
Pritzker School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. mmcclosk@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu
Berman
Mitchell E
ME
Echevarria
David J
DJ
Coccaro
Emil F
EF
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004597:Electroshock; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011930:Reaction Time; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol; D017374:Paroxetine; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors