Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire Scores Research Articles

The role of oxytocin receptor gene variants in appetitive aggression: A study in a South African male sample

AbstractChronic exposure to trauma and violence can promote aggressive behavior. Oxytocin and variants in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene may play a role in the etiology of proactive, that is, goal‐oriented instrumental aggression, or reactive aggression, which typically occurs in response to emotionally triggering situations. The current study builds on previous findings that experienced and witnessed trauma in childhood predicts higher levels of appetitive aggression, a form of proactive aggression characterized by the enjoyment of participating in violent behavior. The current study explores the role of OXTR rs2254298 and rs53576 variants in appetitive and reactive aggression. Adult males living in Cape Town, South Africa, and at risk for violent behavior completed the Appetitive Aggression Scale (AAS) and Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). OXTR rs2254298 and rs53576 were successfully genotyped via restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in 238 and 239 participants, respectively. Regression analysis showed that rs2254298 G/G and A/G genotypes and the rs53576 A/G genotype were significantly associated with lower AAS scores (p < .001) compared to the A/A genotype. Additionally, genotype interaction analyses conducted in 232 participants, found that the combination of rs2254298 A/G and rs53576 G/G genotypes produced opposite effects on appetitive and reactive aggression. Specifically, this combination was associated with a 0.29‐point increase in AAS scores (p = .032) and a 0.13‐point decrease in BPAQ scores (p = .037) when compared to A‐allele homozygosity for both variants. These results suggest that genetic variation in a signaling system involved in influencing environmental and social salience may contribute to appetitive aggression.

Relationship between impulsivity, aggression and blood ghrelin, vitamin D, lipids levels in borderline personality disorder

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlations between impulsivity and aggression, and blood ghrelin, lipids, and vitamin D levels in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
 Materials and Methods: Thirty female patients with BPD and 30 healthy controls were included to the study. Sociodemographic Data Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Barratt Impulsivity Scale Short Form (BIS-11-SF), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) were applied.
 Results: Ghrelin, cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels were higher in BPD patients (p=0.013, p=0.042, p=0.019, respectively); however, there was no significant difference between the groups based on vitamin D, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. There was no correlation between ghrelin, and lipid and vitamin D levels. The BIS-11 and BPAQ scores were higher in BPD group. A positive correlation was determined between ghrelin and BIS-11 scores. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D and ‘anger’ subscale score of BPAQ. A negative correlation was identified between triglyceride and the ‘verbal aggression’ subscale score of BPAQ. 
 Conclusion: BPD is a disorder with several hospital admissions, frequent comorbid conditions, problematic social relationships, and functionality, and the treatment is quite difficult. Regulation of Ghrelin, vitamin D and lipid levels could assist clinicians in the treatment and clinical follow-up of the disease.

The effects of expected and unexpected stress on inappropriate aggression in simulated police interventions

Here we performed a before-after ABA-design study in police cadets (N = 82) to compare the effects of unexpected (event-triggered) and expected (anticipatory) stressors on aggression. On the first day of the study, participants filled in the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and were fitted with heart rate (HR) monitors, which remained attached till the end of the study. On day 2, they were instructed to perform a police intervention in a realistic training environment. The intervention was preceded either by a warning or by a reassuring audio recording that forecasted violent or routine interventions, respectively. Both groups encountered hostile suspects at the intervention site, the behavior of which, however, did not justify the use of force e.g., aggression. The warning resulted in a gradually developing anticipatory stress as shown by HRs. Cadets exposed to the reassuring audio recording showed minimal anticipatory stress but responded to the hostile suspects by an abrupt increase in HRs, which was missing in the warned group. The magnitude of HR responses was similar in the two groups, only their temporal evolution differed. Although aggression showed some associations with BPAQ and BIS scores, the main predictors of behavior were HR changes according to a Multiple Regression analysis. The gradually developing anticipatory stress was associated with low, whereas the abrupt increase in HRs was associated with high aggression. Our findings suggest that the anticipation of a stressful event improves behavioral control whereas an unexpected stress strongly promotes aggression.

Impulsivity and aggression in patients at risk for schizophrenia at the stage of remission after the first depressive episode

To study the phenomenon of impulsivity, its components and aggression in patients at risk for schizophrenia at the stage of remission after the first depressive episode. Forty-eight male patients (mean age 19.4±2.9 years) with the first depressive episode (ICD-10 F32.1, F32.2) with attenuated positive, negative and/or disorganized symptoms were examined. According to the severity of impulsivity, the patients were divided into the clinical group (n=26) with pathological impulsivity and the comparison group (n=27) without it. The control group consisted of 41 mentally healthy young men, students of higher education of 1-3 courses, (mean age 19.7±1.6 years). HDRS, SOPS, SANS, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) were used. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistica 12 software. The differences between the clinical group and the comparison group were determined by the total score of the subscale of general symptoms of SOPS at admission (53 [41.75; 56] and 45.5 [41.75; 51.25], respectively) (U=187.5; p=0.037) and at discharge (28 [19; 37] and 25 [17.75; 29.25] points respectively) (U=166.5; p=0.012), according to the total HDRS score at admission (35 [31; 38] and 29 [26; 34.25]) (U=191.0; p=0.046). In the clinical group, the motor component of impulsivity and the factor of general impulsivity on the BIS-11 correlated with the severity of aggression on the BPAQ (r=0.395, p<0.05 and r=0.635, p<0.05, respectively). Significant differences were revealed in the clinical group depending on the presence of negative symptoms on the corresponding SOPS subscale according to the total BPAQ score (p=0.01). Correlation analysis showed numerous connections: positive between the total aggressiveness score and the duration of depression (p<0.05), negative between the factors of self-control, consistency, attention, and total scores on the SANS and SOPS (p<0.05). We identify the differences in the structure of impulsivity in patients at risk of developing schizophrenia at the stage of remission after the first depressive state, the comparison group and the control group, as well as the relationship of impulsivity factors with individual clusters of psychopathological disorders.

Detailed analysis of risk-taking in association with impulsivity and aggression in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder type I

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the associations of risk-taking, aggression, and impulsivity as well as risk adjustment in bipolar I patients (BD-I). 50 BD-I patients and age- and education-matched healthy controls (HC) were compared by using a modified Balloon Analogue Risk Task (m-BART) , Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11(BIS-11), and Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). BD-I performed worse than HC in terms of risk-taking measures. However, the risk adjustment pattern in the BD-I group was similar to HC. BIS-11 scores were positively correlated with risk-taking after unsuccessful trials. The BPAQ scores were positively correlated with the number of exploded balloons and the maximum number of pumps while negatively correlated with reaction time. This study supported risk-taking as a robust feature of BD-I. These results may reflect that higher risk-taking may be due to impulsivity and also aggression may be associated with undesired outcomes of risk-taking. However, decision-making/adjustment abilities seem to be preserved.

Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), impulsivity and aggression levels in patients with opiate use disorder and alcohol use disorder

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the ratio of the right and left second and fourth digits (2D:4D), aggression, and impulsivity levels in opiate use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and healthy controls. Methods Eighty-four patients diagnosed with OUD, 58 patients diagnosed with AUD, and 58 healthy volunteers were included. Participants administered the sociodemographic data form, Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Results Healthy controls’ right-hand 2D:4D ratio was higher than the OUD and AUD groups (respectively; p < .001, p < .001). The right-hand 2D:4D ratio was similar between OUD and AUD (p = .542). Left-hand 2D:4D ratio of healthy controls was higher than OUD and AUD groups (respectively; p < .001, p < .001). The left-hand 2D:4D ratio was similar between OUD and AUD (p = .429). The BIS-11 scores of the healthy controls were lower than OUD and AUD groups (respectively; p < .001, p < .001). It was found similar in the AUD and OUD groups (p = .264). The BPAQ scores of the healthy controls were lower than the OUD group and the AUD group (respectively; p < .001, p < .001). It was found similar in the AUD and OUD groups (p = .973). Conclusion It was found that the 2D:4D ratio of both hands in OUD and AUD patients is lower than that of healthy volunteers. The 2D:4D ratio can be an indicator of addiction, regardless of the type of substance used.

Characteristics of depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression among various types of drug users and factors for developing severe depression: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMood disorder, impulsivity and aggression are common in drug users compared to healthy controls. However, no study has focused on the difference in various types of drug users. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the differences in depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression among methamphetamine, heroin and polysubstance users and to further explore the risk factors for severe depression in the three groups.MethodsDrug users over 18 years old who met the DSM-V diagnostic criteria for substance -related disorders were included in the study. All participants completed a general questionnaire, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Barratt impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). One-way ANOVAs or Chi-square tests were used to test the differences among the groups, correlation analysis was used to test the relationship between drug use and other parameters, and multiple logistic regression was conducted to assess the risk factors for severe depression.ResultsA total of 1,486 participants were included, comprising 86.3% males with a mean age of 38.97 years. There was a significant difference in the percentage of severe depression and SDS scores among the three groups, but no significant difference was found in SAS, BIS-11 and BPAQ scores. Using methamphetamines, hostility and anxiety were risk factors for developing severe depression in all the participants and anxiety remained constant in the other three groups. Moreover, methamphetamine use was 2.16 and 3.35 times more likely to cause severe depression than heroin and polysubstance use, respectively. The initial age of substance use was negatively correlated with BPAQ, SAS, and SDS scores, whereas the drug use duration and addiction duration were positively correlated.ConclusionsIn this study, we found that the highest prevalence of severe depression was in participants using methamphetamines and that using methamphetamines, hostility, and anxiety were risk factors for developing severe depression. This result addressed an important gap in our knowledge of the different characteristics of depression, anxiety, impulsivity and aggression in various types of substance users and provides clinicians and policy-makers with directions for intervention and preventing relapse.

Psychiatric Symptoms, Aggression, and Sexual Dysfunction Among Patients With Benign Anal Conditions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of general psychiatric symptoms, aggression levels, and sexual dysfunction in patients with benign anorectal diseases and compare the results with those of healthy control subjects. We prospectively enrolled consecutive adult patients who presented for treatment of benign perianal diseases and healthy control subjects between June 2017 and December 2018. All patients had either grade 3 or 4 hemorrhoidal disease or perianal fistula with active discharge who had not undergone previous anorectal surgery. We also included a control group with benign subcutaneous lumps presenting for minor surgery. We used the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Form to evaluate general psychiatric symptoms, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) to evaluate aggression levels, and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale to evaluate sexual dysfunction. A total of 563 patients were assessed for eligibility; after exclusions, 94 with anal fistula, 89 with hemorrhoids, and 59 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The groups were similar with regard to age, gender, and educational level. Physical and verbal aggression, anger, and total BPAQ score were significantly higher in patients with perianal fistula than in those with hemorrhoidal disease and healthy control subjects (P < .001). This study suggests that patients with perianal fistula have higher levels of aggression than healthy control subjects and those with hemorrhoidal disease. One must bear this in mind during preoperative patient evaluations and obtaining informed consent. Further studies are needed to investigate the reason for this association and potential causality.

Differences in aggression as psychiatric side effect of levetiracetam and perampanel in patients with epilepsy

PurposeAggression is the most commonly encountered antiepileptic-drug (AED)-induced psychiatric adverse effects. Levetiracetam (LEV) is well known to be associated with increased rates of aggression, while perampanel (PER) is also recognized as a potentially aggression-promoting agent, though opinions vary. However, few studies have addressed questions regarding whether the nature of irritability-aggression differs between those drugs. The present study used a standardized rating scale to examine aggression among patient with epilepsy who received LEV or PER using specific measures to confirm the effects of the drugs. MethodsWe enrolled 144 consecutive outpatients receiving treatment for epilepsy with LEV (n = 103) or PER (n = 41), and determined their effects regarding aggression using the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ). For analysis, total BAQ scores for the LEV and PER subjects were compared to determine whether the aggression-promoting effects of the agents differed, and which BAQ subdomains (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, hostility) were related to production of aggression in patients taking either LEV or PER. As a subsidiary analysis, clinical variables inclusive of administered AED type that showed a significant impact on BAQ scores were determined. ResultsThe LEV group had a significantly higher hostility score (19.4 ± 5.8) as compared to the PER group (17.2 ± 6.3) in subscale analysis (p < 0.05). In multiple regression analysis, LEV had a significant association with higher hostility score (P = 0.006). ConclusionOur results indicate that while easily visible outward-directed aggression tends to be dominant in patients given PER, aggression provoked by LEV may be felt more subjectively or in an inward-directed manner, which can lead to more diverse expression and misrecognition.

Digital risks and adolescents: The relationships between digital game addiction, emotional eating, and aggression.

Nowadays, weight gain and obesity are major health-threatening issues for children. Emotional eating, a negative health condition that can lead to obesity in children, is a defence mechanism for coping with negative emotions. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationships between emotional eating behaviour and digital game addiction, which can cause stress and aggression in adolescents. This study was conducted with 856 adolescents from the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The data were collected using a personal information form, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Digital Game Addiction Scale (DGAS-7), and the Emotional Eating Scale (EES). In this study, 32.4% of the adolescents were addicted to digital games. The male adolescents had higher BPAQ, DGAS, and EES mean scores. There was also a relationship between digital game addiction, aggressive behaviour, and emotional eating. This is a significant study because it shows that digital game addiction and aggressive behaviour are important determinants of emotional eating. The results of this study indicate that emotional eating is a component of digital game addiction that increases the risk of adolescent obesity.

Trait aggression is associated with five-factor personality traits in males.

BackgroundAlthough aggression is conceptualized as a dimensional construct with violent behavior representing the extreme end of a spectrum, studies on the involvement of personality traits in human aggression have typically only included data representing a restricted spectrum of aggressive behaviors.MethodsIn the current study, we therefore examine whether trait aggression is associated with five‐factor model personality traits in an enriched sample of 259 men with a broad continuum of trait aggression, ranging from very low to very high including 39 incarcerated aggressive violent offenders. All participants completed the NEO Personality Inventory‐Revised (NEO PI‐R) and the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The association between each of the five NEO PI‐R personality traits and trait aggression (BPAQ) was investigated using five linear regression models, covarying for group status, age and educational level.ResultsHigher BPAQ scores were positively associated with Neuroticism and negatively associated with Agreeableness and Conscientiousness.ConclusionOur results indicate that those high in Neuroticism and low in Agreeableness and Conscientiousness are at higher risk of exhibiting aggressive behavior, underlining the relevance of these higher order personality traits in understanding aggressive behavior. We argue that studying individual personality differences should be offered a greater attention within violent and criminal behaviors.

Aggression as psychiatric side effect of newer AEDs in patients with epilepsy: Cross-sectional study based on Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire

PurposeAggression-irritability is the most commonly encountered antiepileptic-drug-induced psychiatric adverse effects. In this cross-sectional study, we tried to assess antiepileptic-drug-induced aggression in patients with epilepsy (PWE) with a standardized rating scale. MethodsTwo hundred sixty-six consecutive outpatients receiving treatment for epilepsy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were initially examined, and the effects of the investigated drugs in regard to aggression were investigated using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ). We compared BAQ scores as a function of a specific class of AEDs, levetiracetam (LEV), lacosamaide (LCM), perampanel (PER), and carbamazepine (CBZ), and determined whether AED type had a relationship with aggression. Additionally, the association of BAQ score with other clinico-demographic variables was also assessed. ResultsOne-way ANOVA revealed that the LEV group had a significantly higher mean BAQ score as compared to the CBZ (P = 0.001) and LCM (P = 0.029) groups for total score. In subscale analysis, the LEV group had higher scores than the CBZ group for the physical aggression (p = 0.01), verbal aggression (p = 0.02) and hostility (p = 0.01) subscales, while the LEV group had a significantly higher mean score than the LCM group for hostility (p = 0.025). In multiple regression analysis, LEV had a statistically significant impact on increased total BAQ score (B = 0.119, p = 0.049). In contrast, CBZ (B = −0.191, p = 0.002), older age at epilepsy onset (B = −0.269, p = 0.000) and female gender (B = −0.210, p = 0.000) had a significant association with lower total BAQ score. ConclusionsOur results indicate that LEV is associated with increased aggression, while CBZ and LCM showed effects to reduce aggression.

Effect of Neurofeedback Training on Aggression and Impulsivity in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction:Aggression and impulsivity are some of the behavioral symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neurofeedback (NF) training has been suggested as a promising treatment in these children. This study aimed to investigate the effect of NF training on aggression and impulsivity in schoolchildren with ADHD.Methods:A total of 40 male elementary school children with ADHD (aged 11.17±0.97 years) were randomized into the NF and sham groups. The NF group received 12 NF training sessions, each taking about 60 minutes for six consecutive weeks (twice a week), based on the Hammond protocol. The subjects’ parents were questioned to evaluate the outcomes, including aggression and impulsivity, using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS).Results:After the intervention, in the NF group, the BPAQ score changed from 87.60±9.33 to 81±7.23 and the BIS score from 94.7±7.25 to 88.05±5.4, which were significant (P=0.001). The results indicated the large effect size of NF on aggression and impulsivity in ADHD.Conclusion:Our findings suggest NF training as a clinically applicable method for decreasing aggression and impulsivity, also support concurrent use of medication and NF training in children with ADHD.

Evaluating Negative Attributions in Persons With Brain Injury: A Comparison of 2 Measures.

To compare construct and predictive validity, readability, and time-to-administer of 2 negative attribution measures in participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Two TBI rehabilitation hospitals. Eighty-five adults with complicated mild to severe TBI. Negative attributions (intent, hostility, and blame) and anger responses to hypothetical scenarios were measured with the Epps scenarios and the Ambiguous Intention Hostility Questionnaire (AIHQ). Trait aggression was measured with the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Associations between attributions and anger responses (ie, construct validity) within each measure were significant (Epps: r = 0.61-0.74; AIHQ: r = 0.39-0.71); however, associations were stronger for Epps (Ps < .001). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) revealed attributions from both measures predicted BPAQ scores (area under the ROC curves = 0.6-0.8); predictive validity did not statistically differ between the 2 measures. Both had comparable readability (fifth- to sixth-grade levels), but Epps required longer administration times. Negative attributions affect anger and aggression after TBI, making it important to identify suitable assessments for the TBI population. While psychometric properties of the AIHQ and Epps scenarios should be further explored, this study offers early support for the use of either instrument in persons with TBI. Advantages and disadvantages of the AIHQ and Epps scenarios are highlighted.

Influence of dopamine-related genes on craving, impulsivity, and aggressiveness in Korean males with alcohol use disorder.

Dopamine is a major neuromodulator that is acutely involved in various cognitive processes, reward-motivated behaviors, and impulsivity. Abnormality in dopaminergic neurotransmission is implicated in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The present study examined the genetic influence of dopamine system on problematic drinking, impulsivity, and aggressiveness in a Korean male population with AUD. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4532 in DRD1, rs2283265 in DRD2, rs6280 in DRD3, rs1800497 in ANKK1, and rs4680 in COMT) and a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) in DAT1 in 295 male patients with AUD were genotyped. For AUD-related clinical characteristics, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) were used to assess the severity of hazardous drinking and craving symptoms, respectively. Participants also completed the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Analyses were performed using R package SNPassoc; statistical significance was set as p < 0.0083 after Bonferroni correction. A significant association was detected between DRD3 SNP rs6280 and OCDS scores. In regard to impulsivity and aggressiveness, rs4532 of DRD1 was significantly associated with UPPS-P score. Also, rs4532 demonstrated a nominally significant association with BPAQ score, although it did not reach statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. Results of this study support the idea that genetic variations in the dopamine system may contribute to alcohol cravings and impulsivity in patients with AUD.

Relationship among aggressive trait, patient-physician trust and illness perception of patients

Objective To investigate the relationship between aggressive trait of patients, patient-physician trust and illness perception. Methods Totally 500 patients were recruited from different medical departments from eight hospitals in Guangdong and 384 samples' valid data were obtained.The aggressive trait of patients, patient-physician trust and illness perception were assessed with the Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire(BPAQ), the Wake Forest physician trust scale(WFPTS), and the brief illness perception questionnaire(BIPQ) respectively.SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 20.0 were used for data analysis and structural equation model construction. Results Pearson correlation analysis showed that the BPAQ (53.2±13.9) and BIPQ(38.6±9.1) were negatively correlated respectively with WFPTS (35.3±6.1) and benevolence (17.6±3.2) and technical competence (17.8±3.3), (r=-0.14~-0.18, P<0.01). And there was positive correlation between BPAQ scores and BIPQ score(r=0.37, P<0.01). Mediation effect test showed that patient-physician trust mediated the associations between patient aggression and illness perception (B=0.039, 95%CI= (0.002, 0.120)). Conclusion Aggressive trait and patient-physician are significantly related with illness perception.Patient-physician trust exerts mediating effect on the relationship between aggression of patients and illness perception. Key words: Patient-physician trust; Illness perception; Aggressive trait

The effect of perampanel on aggression and depression in patients with epilepsy: A short-term prospective study

PurposeUsing specialized tools, we assessed patients receiving perampanel (PER) to investigate its effects on aggression and depression, as well as the impact of other concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on those conditions. MethodSeventy-seven patients with epilepsy were initially enrolled, then examined at entry and 12 weeks later (endpoint). At both examinations, assessments were performed with the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ) and Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E). Ultimately, 59 patients completed the study. ResultsTotal BAQ (p = 0.013) and NDDI-E (p = 0.000) scores at the endpoint were significantly increased in comparison with those at entry. Analysis with 4 subscales showed increases in both verbal and physical aggression, while multivariate analysis revealed that concomitant AED administration did not have a significant impact on the increase of BAQ or NDDI-E score. A dose-dependent effect of PER was confirmed in BAQ, but not NDDI-E results. PER was discontinued due to adverse psychiatric effects in 3.9% of the patients. ConclusionsThe present findings indicate that PER increases assessment scores indicative of aggression as well as depression. No additional aggression-augmenting effect was seen with concomitant AED administration.

The relationship between childhood traumas and aggression levels in adults

The effect of childhood traumas in adulthood psychopathology is considerable. There are studies indicating that there is cause and effect relation between adulthood aggression and childhood traumas. However, in Turkey, there are few studies on this subject. The results of these studies are controversial in some aspects. This research was designed to look into the relation between aggression level and childhood traumas in Turkish society. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire were applied to 50 healthy individuals who were chosen randomly in Beylikduzu district of Istanbul province and who did not get any neuropsychiatric diagnosis. The childhood trauma levels of the participants were detected as significantly high but their aggression levels were detected as normal. A positive meaningful correlation was detected between the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire scores and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire scores. These results are supporting the idea that childhood trauma may be among the predisposing factors of adulthood aggression.

Medication and aggressiveness in real-world schizophrenia. Results from the FACE-SZ dataset

IntroductionThe primary objective of this study was to determine if second generation antipsychotic (SGA) administration was associated with lower aggressiveness scores compared to first generation (FGA) in schizophrenia (SZ). The secondary objective was to determine if antidepressants, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines administration were respectively associated with lower aggressiveness scores compared to patients who were not administered these medications.MethodsThree hundred and thirty-one patients with schizophrenia (n = 255) or schizoaffective disorder (n = 76) (mean age = 32.5 years, 75.5% male gender) were systematically included in the network of FondaMental Expert Center for Schizophrenia and assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders and validated scales for psychotic symptomatology, insight and compliance. Aggressiveness was measured by the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) score. Ongoing psychotropic treatment was recorded.ResultsPatients who received SGA had lower BPAQ scores than patients who did not (P = 0.01). On the contrary, patients who received benzodiazepines had higher BPAQ scores than patients who did not (P = 0.04). These results were found independently of socio-demographical variables, psychotic symptomatology, insight, compliance into treatment, daily-administered antipsychotic dose, the way of antipsychotic administration (oral vs long acting), current alcohol disorder and daily cannabis consumption.ConclusionThe results of the present study are in favor of the choice of SGA in SZ patients with aggressiveness, but these results need further investigation in longitudinal studies. Given the potent side effects of benzodiazepines (especially dependency and cognitive impairment) and the results of the present study, their long-term prescription is not recommended in patients with schizophrenia and aggressive behavior.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Medication and aggressiveness in real-world schizophrenia. Results from the FACE-SZ dataset.

The primary objective of this study was to determine if second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) administration was associated with lower aggressiveness scores compared to first-generation (FGA) in schizophrenia (SZ). The secondary objective was to determine if antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines administration were respectively associated with lower aggressiveness scores compared to patients who were not administered these medications. Three hundred thirty-one patients with schizophrenia (N = 255) or schizoaffective disorder (N = 76) (mean age = 32.5years, 75.5% male gender) were systematically included in the network of FondaMental Expert Center for Schizophrenia and assessed with the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders and validated scales for psychotic symptomatology, insight, and compliance. Aggressiveness was measured by the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) score. Ongoing psychotropic treatment was recorded. Patients who received SGA had lower BPAQ scores than patients who did not (p = 0.01). More specifically, these patients had lower physical and verbal aggression scores. On the contrary, patients who received benzodiazepines had higher BPAQ scores than patients who did not (p = 0.04). No significant difference was found between BPAQ scores of patients respectively being administered mood stabilizers (including valproate), antidepressant, and the patients who were not. These results were found independently of socio-demographical variables, psychotic symptomatology, insight, compliance into treatment, daily-administered antipsychotic dose, the way of antipsychotic administration (oral vs long acting), current alcohol disorder, and daily cannabis consumption. The results of the present study are in favor of the choice of SGA in SZ patients with aggressiveness, but these results need further investigation in longitudinal studies. Given the potent side effects of benzodiazepines (especially dependency and cognitive impairment) and the results of the present study, their long-term prescription is not recommended in patients with schizophrenia and aggressive behavior.