Shima C, Lee R, Coccaro EF. Associations of agression and use of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine in healthy and aggressive individuals.
J Psychiatr Res 2022;
146:21-27. [PMID:
34942448 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.10.015]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are the three most commonly used psychoactive substances in the world. Given the known propensity of these substances to influence behavior, the relationship between these substances and aggressive and impulsive behaviors, in particular is of interest.
METHODS
1062 adult individuals participated in this study including those with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and non-aggressive healthy (HC) and psychiatric (PC) controls. Data regarding current and life use of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine were recorded as were responses on measures of aggression, anger, and impulsivity.
RESULTS
Dimensional measures of aggression, anger, and impulsiveness were variably but significantly related to the consumption of these commonly used psychoactive substances. These findings were generally mirrored when using the categorical construct of IED. Finally, these findings were not due to comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders.
CONCLUSIONS
These data confirm a link between these externalizing behaviors and these three legal and commonly consumed psychoactive substances in clinically relevant individuals.
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