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Antisocial personality disorder and alcohol-induced aggression
F G Moeller1, D M Dougherty, S D Lane
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas-Houston, Health Science Center, 77030, USA.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|January 12, 1999
Summary
Alcohol consumption significantly increased aggression in individuals with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) compared to those without ASPD. This effect was specific to aggression, not monetary-reinforced responding.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is characterized by disregard for others.
- Alcohol's effects on aggression are complex and may differ based on personality traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential impact of alcohol on aggressive behavior in individuals with and without ASPD.
- To compare alcohol's effects on aggression versus monetary-reinforced responding across these groups.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory study involving 18 participants (10 without ASPD, 8 with ASPD).
- Participants consumed placebo and three alcohol doses (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg).
- Aggression was measured using the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm; monetary-reinforced responding was also assessed.
Main Results:
- A significant interaction between alcohol and ASPD status on aggression was observed.
- Subjects with ASPD exhibited a greater alcohol-induced increase in aggression compared to non-ASPD subjects.
- No significant group differences were found in alcohol's effect on monetary-reinforced responding.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption potentiates aggressive responding in individuals with ASPD.
- The heightened aggression response to alcohol in ASPD appears specific and not a general disinhibition effect on all behaviors.
- Findings suggest a potential neurobiological link between ASPD, alcohol, and aggression.