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The effects of diazepam on human self-aggressive behavior
Mitchell E Berman1, Gabriele D Jones, Michael S McCloskey
1Department of Psychology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025, USA. mitchell.berman@usm.edu
Psychopharmacology
|August 19, 2004
Summary
High doses of diazepam (a benzodiazepine) may increase self-aggressive behavior in humans. This effect occurred without impairing cognitive functions or psychomotor performance, suggesting a potential risk at therapeutic levels.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, are linked to self-aggressive acts in observational studies.
- Previous evidence is limited to non-experimental designs, preventing causal inference.
- The association between diazepam and self-aggression requires experimental validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the impact of diazepam on human self-aggressive behavior.
- To assess self-aggression under controlled laboratory conditions using a validated paradigm.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 46 healthy participants.
- Random assignment to placebo, 5 mg, or 10 mg diazepam groups.
- Self-aggression measured by self-administered electric shock intensity in a reaction-time task.
Main Results:
- 10 mg diazepam significantly increased self-administered shock intensity compared to placebo.
- Participants receiving 10 mg diazepam were more prone to self-administering perceived severe shocks.
- No significant impairment in memory, attention, concentration, pain threshold, or reaction time was observed.
Conclusions:
- Clinically relevant doses of diazepam may be associated with increased self-aggressive behaviors.
- These self-aggressive effects can occur independently of significant cognitive or psychomotor impairment.
- Findings suggest a potential risk for self-directed harm with diazepam use at certain dosages.