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Serotonergic intervention affects both social dominance and affiliative behaviour
1Section of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London SE5 8AF, UK. spklwst@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Psychopharmacology
|May 22, 2002
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram can reduce submissiveness and increase affiliation. This study shows SSRIs may modulate social status and behavior in humans.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Serotonin system dysfunction is linked to aggression and irritability.
- Enhancing serotonin shows potential for promoting social status and affiliative behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on social behavior.
- To assess changes in social status and affiliative behavior in human participants.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, double-blind, crossover study with 10 pairs of healthy volunteers.
- 2-week treatment with citalopram (20 mg/day) or placebo, followed by a washout period.
- Social interaction paradigms including a stranger-dyadic interaction and a Mixed-motive game.
Main Results:
- Citalopram administration led to reduced submissiveness ratings by flatmates.
- Participants displayed a dominant eye contact pattern and increased cooperative communication.
- Self-awarded points in the game were reduced under citalopram treatment.
Conclusions:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can alter social status and interactions.
- Serotonin plays a significant role in modulating social behavior and affiliation.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for SSRIs in social behavior modification.