[Serotonergic function and aggressive-impulsive behavior]

Considerable interest has been paid to the biological basis of the aggressive behavior, in the last two decades. The 5-HT function has been the most studied function in animal models, and studies carried out with either psychiatric patients, antisocial subjects, or normal people. An overwhelming evidence favors the importance of the 5-HT function in the modulation of aggressive behavior, particularly when 5-HT function is associated to loss of impulse control. Data from literature are reviewed. Results of a challenge serotonin test with fluoxetine in normal subjects are presented. The therapeutic implications of such studies are also discussed.