The neuropsychopharmacology of criminality and aggression

Although the idea that aggression has biological components is not a new one, recent research in genetics, neuropsychopharmacology, and neuroimaging has helped clarify the biological contributions to aggression. Studies to date have focused on serotonergic function and impulsive aggression. Reduced levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) are associated with impulsive aggression. Pharmacochallenge studies have found decreased serotonergic responsiveness associated with impulsive aggression. Neuroimaging studies suggest a role for the prefrontal cortex, along with other regions of the brain, in the expression of aggression. Serotonin is not the only aspect of brain function implicated in impulsive aggression, and further work is being done on other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.