Aggressive Behavior: Types, Causes, and Treatments

Aggressive behavior in humans can be triggered by specific drugs or underlying psychological conditions. Effective treatments and therapy options exist to manage and reduce aggressive outbursts.

brother and sisters having argument

What Are the Treatments for Aggressive Behavior?

The Society for Neuroscience states that aggression is a "complex social behavior" and can be divided into three categories: predatory aggression, social aggression and defensive aggression. A person with predatory or social aggression seeks out a target, while defensive aggression is a response.

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What Drugs Cause Aggressive Behavior?

Some drugs, particularly when used to excess and/or used illegally, significantly increase the risk for aggressive behavior and the commission of acts of violence. Alcohol, anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines, and cocaine are key drugs that can escalate the development of aggression and violent behavior.

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psychiatrist examining a male patient

Types of Human Aggressive Behavior

Infoplease defines aggression as behavior that can be directed toward others or internally, and which can be either constructive or destructive. Humans are certainly not alone in expressing aggression against one another. However, aggression in human beings is often motivated by factors beyond physical survival.

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