Integrating the neural systems of the lateral anterior hypothalamus in adolescent AAS-induced offensive aggression
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Adolescence is a developmental period where neurobiological mechanisms regulating complex behaviors, such as aggression, are particularly sensitive to circulating androgens. For example, an increased incidence of aggressive behavior correlates with elevated levels of endogenous testosterone in mid-to-late adolescent males (Dabbs et al. 1987; Dabbs et al. 1991; Mattsson et al. 1980; Scerbo and Kolko 1994) but not in prepubertal males (Constantino et al. 1993; Schaal et al. 1996; Susman et al. 1987), suggesting a link between circulating androgens and the development of the aggressive phenotype. This link between testosterone and aggression is particularly concerning for adolescent populations who abuse synthetic testosterone and its derivatives, collectively termed anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), for their performance enhancing effects (NIDACapsules 2008). Abuse of AAS remains high in the adolescent population, with more than a half million 8th-10th graders in the U.S. reporting AAS use each year (NIDACapsules 2008). This is particularly concerning given the high incidence of psychological and physiological ramifications associated with taking AAS, including increased violence, rage, and aggression (Dukarm et al. 1996; Loeber and Hay 1997).
DOI: 10.17760/d20000980
Author: Jared J. Schwartzer
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W2287213460