BRAIN-SEROTONIN, TYPE-II ALCOHOLISM AND IMPULSIVE VIOLENCE

There is ample evidence that low CSF 5-HIAA concentration is associated with a tendency to exhibit impulsive violent behavior under the influence of alcohol. This is especially true for subjects who fulfill criteria for psychiatric diagnoses often associated with early onset alcoholism such as antisocial personality disorder and intermittent explosive disorder. Brain serotonin turnover as indicated by CSF 5-HIAA concentration does not correlate with CSF free testosterone concentration. The latter is more strongly associated with outward-directed aggressiveness and lack of socialization than impulsiveness. CSF ACTH concentration on the other hand correlates positively with socialization.