What neurotransmitter is linked to aggression, especially in clients with a history of violent behaviors?

The neurotransmitter most closely linked to aggression, particularly in individuals with a history of violent behaviors, is serotonin. Research has indicated that lower levels of serotonin are associated with increased aggression and impulsive behavior. This connection may relate to serotonin's role in mood regulation, impulse control, and behavior. When serotonin levels are disrupted, there is often a lack of inhibitory control, which can lead to heightened aggression and difficulties in regulating emotions.

In contrast, dopamine is primarily associated with the reward system in the brain and is more linked to the pursuit of pleasure and motivation rather than aggression directly. Similarly, norepinephrine is related to arousal and the fight-or-flight response but does not have the same direct association with aggression as serotonin does. Acetylcholine plays a role in many functions, including muscle activation and cognitive processes but is not directly tied to aggression. Thus, serotonin's unique involvement in mood and behavior regulation is crucial in understanding its connection to aggressive tendencies in specific populations.