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Serotonin and aggression in children

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Abstract

Research consistently indicates that in animals and adults, reduced central serotonergic (5-HT) function is associated with increased aggression. This relationship has been elucidated via cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite levels, hormonal responses to pharmacologic challenge using serotonergic probes, platelet receptor binding studies, and, more recently, through molecular genetic approaches. In contrast, studies examining the relationship of 5-HT to aggression in children have been characterized by inconsistent findings. The literature examining the relationship between central 5-HT function and aggression is reviewed. Several hypotheses that might account for the discrepancies in the child literature are examined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, 11367, Flushing, NY, USA

    Effie M. Mitsis MA & Jeffrey M. Halperin PhD

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, 10029, New York, NY, USA

    Jeffrey M. Halperin PhD & Jeffrey H. Newcorn MD

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Mitsis, E.M., Halperin, J.M. & Newcorn, J.H. Serotonin and aggression in children. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2, 95–101 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-000-0052-0

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