Neural Mechanisms

Neural Mechanisms

1. Seratonon

   • A01
     • Low seratonin levels are associated with aggression
     • Seranonin reduces aggression by inhibiting responses to stimuni that usually lead to aggression
     • MANN- Drugs that reduce seratonin increase aggression
   • A02
     • Support...
       • RAINE- neurotransmitters in antisocial, lower levels of seratonin in aggressive. also low in those attempted suicide
       • RALEIGH- animal, if given tryptophn, less aggressive
       • POPUVA- animals bred for docile and passive behaviour high levels of seratonin

2. Dopamine

   • A01
     • High dopamine levels associated with aggression
     • LAVINE- drugs to increase dopamine in studies linked to aggression
     • BUITELAAR- studies using drugs to reduce dopamine, eg antipsychotics, reduce aggression
   • A02
     • Support...
       • COUPPIS- path to brain in mice when aggressive, dopamine released, acts as reward
     • However...
       • SCERBO- found low levels of seratonin in aggression, but no significant rise or fall of dopamine

3. Testosterone

   • A01
     • High testosterone levels associated with aggression
     • DABBS- criminals with high testosterone had committed violent crimes/ low testoesterone, non violent crimes
     • 'Callenge Hypethesis' testosterone only rises in response to social challenges resulting in aggression
   • A02
     • However...
       • ALBERT- claimed inconsistent results, too small studies, as most are of men in prisons relying on self report techniques
       • ARCHER- career women have higher levels. may be linked to assertiveness instead of aggression

4. A03

   • SOCIALLY SENSITIVE- may not want to admit they are aggressive
   • ANIMALS- not generalisable. bio and cognitively different
   • ANDROCENTRIC- testosterone, mostly conducted on males

5. Cortisol

   • A01
     • High levels inhibit testosterone and so aggression. Low levels correlate with violence
   • A02
     • Support...
       • MCBURNETT- boys with aggressive disorder, low cortisol levels, 3x level of aggressive symptoms. cortisol strong correlation with aggression