brain function.

• function - neurotransmitters looked at.

  serotonin and dopamine.
• function - serotonin.

  a neurotransmitter responsible for mood and sadness. it has been linked to inhibit aggression when low.
• function - a03 main study for serotonin.

  virkkunen et al - low levels of 5HIAA in violent and impulsive offenders, who also struggled with sleep (serotonin issue). 5HIAA is a chemical produced by serotonin re uptake.
• function - a03 extra studies for serotonin.

  higley et al - found monkeys that were aggressive had low 5HIAA levels meaning poor serotonin levels. denson et al - found low serotonin in OFC, which was linked to causing lack of self control and high impulsivity.
• function - dopamine.

  neurotransmitter responsible for attention and pleasure. it can be both excitatory and inhibitory.
• function - a03 studies for dopamine.

  seo et al - found serotonin hypofunction and dopamine hyperfunction causes aggression. this is caused by a shortage of serotonin which results in overproduction of dopamine. Ferrari et al - found that rats that had been conditioned to fight had high dopamine and low serotonin. this study also showed brain plasticity and that chemicals can adapt to environments.