The Psychobiology of Aggression ― Engines, Measurement, Control

In this extraordinarily comprehensive portrait of the present state of the psychobiology of aggression, you will find critical information on understanding and controlling this type of behavior. The authors, nationally and internationally distinguished researchers, present to the reader a critical overview of the principal areas of psychobiological research on aggression, which updates your current knowledge about the influence of biological variables on aggression. The contributors to The Psychobiology of Aggression also explore, as a secondary focus, the relevance of this topic to the field of criminal justice.

Subdivided into three sections--theoretical models, measurement, and treatment--this monograph begins to pave the way for your full understanding of the dynamics and control of aggression. The first section examines the link between aggression and sex and biological factors (testosterone, serotonin, alcohol, traumatic brain injury, hematology, and cerebral lateralization). The second reviews the measurement of brain dysfunction using neuroimaging techniques and various approaches to the measurement of aggression in children and adults using microbehavioral and psychometric methods. The third section reviews pharmacological approaches to the treatment of aggression (benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, beta-blockers, lithium, and anticonvulsants) and the link between diet and aggression.

In each chapter, the authors first present an historical review of their topic, critically review current research, outline (when appropriate) the relevance of their topic to the field of criminal justice, and make suggestions for future research.

For psychiatrists, The Psychobiology of Aggression provides specific guidelines for the psychopharmacological treatment of violent individuals, including choice of pharmacological agent, potential benefits, adverse side effects, etc. Correctional personnel benefit from the above topics and the detailed review of dietary factors in aggression control, with a special emphasis on incarcerated individuals. And for psychologists and researchers of other disciplines, it provides a current review of the major areas of psychobiological investigations related to aggression.