Antisocial personality disorder and alcohol-induced aggression

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1998 Dec;22(9):1898-902.

Abstract

This study compared the effects of alcohol on aggressive responding between subjects with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and subjects without ASPD. Eighteen alcohol drinking subjects (10 subjects without ASPD and 8 subjects with ASPD) underwent testing on a laboratory measure of aggression, the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm, after consumption of placebo and three doses of alcohol (0.25 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, and 1.0 g/kg). There was a significant difference in the effect of alcohol on aggressive responding on the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm between subjects with ASPD and subjects without ASPD. Subjects with ASPD had a greater increase in aggressive responding after alcohol, compared with non-ASPD subjects. There was no difference between the two groups in the effect of alcohol on monetary-reinforced responding.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / drug effects*
  • Aggression / psychology
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / psychology*
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ethanol / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Violence / psychology

Substances

  • Ethanol