1.
Aggression has been associated with: Low levels of serotonin
High levels of dopamine
2.
Badawy: Supports serotonin. Found that alcohol consumption caused major disturbances in the metabolism of brain serotonin. Acute alcohol intake depleted serotonin levels in normal individuals. In susceptible individuals, this depletion may induce aggressive behaviour.
3.
Brain Damage: It has been hypothesised that damage of abnormalities in the pre-frontal cortex and the amygdala could be causes of aggression. The damage to the pre-frontal cortex could be related to the ability to control impulses. The damage or abnormalities in the amygdala could be linked to increases in angry emotions.
4.
Dopamine: A neurotransmitter. When levels are high this is associated with high levels of aggression, although the relationship is not as clear with serotonin. Acts as a reward if someone does something pleasant, so a person is more likely to repeat it. Aggression increases dopamine.
5.
Ferrari et al.: Supports dopamine and serotonin. Allowed a rat to fight every day for 10 days at the same time. On 11th day, not allowed to fight but researchers measured levels of serotonin and dopamine. Found that the anticipation caused the rates dopamine levels to increase and serotonin levels to decrease. Shows that the experience had changed the rats brain chemistry.
6.
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that allow impulses in one area of the brain to be transmitted to another. Behaviour is influenced by transmitters.
7.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter which acts to calm brain activity. If someone has lower levels, they are less able to inhibit their aggressive impulses. Difficult to test levels, but cerebral spinal fluid can be used instead.
