The authors conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the
effect of lithium on aggressive behavior. The 66 subjects, who were
prisoners in a medium security institution, ranged in age from 16 to 24
years, were physically healthy and nonpsychotic, and had histories of
chronic impulsive aggressive behavior. Subjects received lithium or placebo
daily for up to 3 months. There was a significant reduction in aggressive
behavior in the lithium group as measured by a decrease in infractions
involving violence. The authors suggest that lithium can have a clinically
useful effect upon impulsive aggressive behavior when this behavior is not
associated with psychosis.
Abstract Teaser