|
Sometimes you find interesting information in the least likely places. An article in the current Chemical & Engineering News has a special review of brain chemistry and violence. Trying to understand the causes of violence often reveals a complex interaction of genetics, brain chemistry and the psychological factors of development and environment. The ultimate goal is to predict and improve treatment of violent offenders and reduce the incidence of violence.
According the C&EN article, even with a downward trend in the past few years, 1.4 million violent crimes were committed in the U.S. in 2000, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that homicides totaled 16,765 that year and 29,350 people committed suicide.
Serotonin is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter that acts as a kind of brake on  impulsiveness. Numerous studies are examining the role of serotonin in aggressive and violent behavior. In addition to possible deficits in serotonin, the article reviews the various causes for aggresive behavior such as drugs, alcohol, lead and other metals, personality disorders, brain trauma, hormones, nutrition and other environmental factors.
Related Link
University of Michigan Aggression Research Program
10:39:03 PM 
|
|
