Behavioral Science

Abuse and Aggression 63
Why are many body builders and some
professional athletes likely to show
increased aggression?
Use of which drugs is associated with
increased aggression?
Which neurotransmitter(s) is associated
with increased aggression?
Which neurotransmitter(s) is associated
with decreased aggression?
What type of injury is most likely to be
associated with violence?
Use of androgenic or anabolic steroids
increases aggression.
Alcohol
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Phencyclidine
Marijuana (high doses)
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Head injury
CLINICAL VIGNETTES
A family who has newly immigrated to the United States comes to your family
practice to establish care. The son in the family has been suffering from a chronic
cough and the parents are worried. Upon examination you find well-demarcated,
circular, purpuric lesions on his back. They don’t look accidental. What should you
do?
Ask the family about their cultural practices. This could represent a cultural
healing technique such as “cupping” used to heal the boy’s cough. It is important
to distinguish this from child abuse.
A 21-year-old female college student decides to go on a date with her boyfriend of
2 years. She consumes a large volume of alcohol while out. When they return to
her dorm room, the boyfriend tries to coerce her into having sex with him. She
passes out without agreeing. Since they’ve had had sex before, he cites their longterm
relationship as proof of consent. Would this incident be considered sexual
assault?
Yes—a long-term relationship (or even marriage) does not substitute or replace
consent. Even if the woman agreed to intercourse, an intoxicated person is unable
to give consent and the act would still be considered sexual assault.