Violence and Aggression (IN: Psychopharmacology: The Fourth Generation of Progess, edited by F E Bloom & D J Kupfer)

This chapter addresses the question of violence & aggression by a consideration of physical acts that are directed by an individual towards other people or towards the self with the goal of suicide. The emphasis will be on a review of neurobiological mechanisms involved in such self-directed or outwardly directed agression & the implications of these mechanisms for possible pharmacological treatment approaches. With regard to suicidal behaviour, there is no significant animal literature, & the review thus concentrates on human studies. Externally directed violence is not discussed independently of internally directed violence or suicidal behaviour, & common & different features will be noted where relevant. (78 refs.)