The Modulatory Role of Serotonin on Human Impulsive Aggression

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The hypothesis of chronically low brain serotonin levels as pathophysiologically linked to impulsive aggression has been around for several decades. Whereas the theory was initially based on indirect methods to probe serotonin function, our understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in impulsive aggression has progressed with recent advances in neuroimaging. The review integrates evidence based on data from several neuroimaging domains in humans. In vivo molecular neuroimaging findings demonstrate associations between impulsive aggression and high serotonin 1B and serotonin 4 receptor binding, high serotonin transporter levels, and low monoamine oxidase A levels, suggesting that low interstitial serotonin levels are a neurobiological risk factor for impulsive aggressive behavior. Imaging genetics suggests that serotonergic-related genetic polymorphisms associate with antisocial behavior, and some evidence indicates that the low-expressing monoamine oxidase A genotype specifically predisposes to impulsive aggression, which may be mediated by effects on corticolimbic function. Interventions that (presumably) alter serotonin levels have effects on brain activity within brain regions involved in impulsive aggression, notably the amygdala, dorsal striatum, anterior cingulate, insula, and prefrontal cortex. Based on these findings, we propose a model for the modulatory role of serotonin in impulsive aggression. Future studies should ensure that clinical features unique for impulsive aggression are appropriately assessed, and we propose investigations of knowledge gaps that can help confirm, refute, or modify our proposed model of impulsive aggression.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftBiological Psychiatry
Vol/bind90
Udgave nummer7
Sider (fra-til)447-457
Antal sider11
ISSN0006-3223
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2021

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
The research reported in this article was supported by grants from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Grant No. 8020-00419A [to SdC-B]) and The Research Fund of the Mental Health Services– Capital Region of Denmark (Grant No. 20038570 [to SdC-B]).

Funding Information:
The research reported in this article was supported by grants from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Grant No. 8020-00419A [to SdC-B]) and The Research Fund of the Mental Health Services?Capital Region of Denmark (Grant No. 20038570 [to SdC-B]). GMK reports having received honoraria from Sage Therapeutics and Sanos. SdC-B reports no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Society of Biological Psychiatry

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