NCJ Number
101450
Date Published
1986
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article reviews animal and human research, particularly with juveniles, that examined links between aggressive or violent behaviors and neurophysiological mechanisms. Studies reviewed include those published between 1937 and 1984.
Abstract
Animal studies have shown correlations between aggressive behavior and surgical or electrical alteration of limbic brain sites (e.g., amygdala, septum, hypothalamus) and the frontal lobe. Additionally, certain hormones such as testosterone and drugs such as apomorphine have been found to be associated with aggressive behavior. In humans, naturally occurring tumors in the hypothalamus and temporal lobes have been associated with increased aggressiveness. Amygdala ablation has been associated with reduced violence in a variety of patients. Psychopharmacology studies have shown that lithium carbonate, the major tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants may be useful in controlling aggression and violence in some patients. Studies of violent youth and delinquents have found evidence pointing to relationships between violence and abnormal EEG (particularly temporal lobe dysfunctions), adverse medical histories (e.g., perinatal difficulties, nervous system trauma), hyperactivity, elevated testosterone levels, and learning disabilities and minimal brain dysfunction. Much of the research linking youthful violence to neurological dysfunction is tentative because of the complex of biological, developmental, and environmental factors which must be considered. Controlling these factors will be necessary in assessments of the neural basis of youth violence. 81 references.