Human Physical Aggression as a Function of Diazepam

Abstract

The effects of diazepam on the aggressive behavior of male and female subjects were investigated using the Taylor competitive reaction time paradigm. The results indicated that subjects given diazepam responded more aggressively than subjects given a placebo. The aggression-enhancing effect of diazepam occurred for both male and female competitors. Male subjects were observed to be more aggressive than females. The possibility that depressants as a class of drug increase an individual's aggressive behavior is discussed.