Aggression

Introduction

Aggression is a behavior characterized by strong self-assertion with hostile or harmful tones.

Under some circumstances, aggression may be a normal reaction to a threat. Alternatively, it
may be abnormal, unprovoked or reactive behavior (intermittent explosive disorder).
Anger, confusion, discomfort, fear, overstimulation and tiredness can lead to aggressive
reactions.

Aggressive behaviors may be directed at oneself, at others, at animals, or at property. They can
be verbal or physical. They can be premeditated and goal-oriented or impulsive. They can be
direct or indirect, overt or covert.

Aggression is a potential symptom of diseases, disorders or conditions that interfere with thought
processes, such as brain tumors, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and a
number of personality disorders. Although specific causes of aggression are not known, some
studies have shown that abnormal brain chemistry or structural changes may play a role.
Environment and genetics also seem to be involved.

Aggressive behaviors can lead to academic, employment, financial, legal and relationship
problems. Associated actions may result in incarceration or hospitalization. The success of
rehabilitation and treatment depends on the underlying cause of the aggression.

Aggression can have serious, even life-threating, complications. Seek immediate medical care
(call 911) for serious injury; or threatening, irrational or suicidal behavior.

Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with aggression?

Aggression may accompany other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease,
disorder or condition. Conditions that frequently affect behavior may also have other
psychological, cognitive or physical symptoms.

Psychological and cognitive symptoms that may occur along with aggression
Aggression may accompany other psychological or cognitive symptoms including:

 Anxiety, irritability and agitation
 Confusion or forgetfulness
 Depressed or flat mood
 Difficulty with concentration or attention
 Difficulty with memory, thinking, talking, comprehension, writing or reading
 Hallucinations or delusions
 Heightened arousal or awareness
 Personality changes
 Poor judgment
 Sleep disturbances
 Withdrawal or depression

Other symptoms that may occur along with aggression

Aggression may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

 Appetite changes
 Changes in pupil size
 Fatigue
 Incontinence
 Seizures and tremors
 Unintended weight changes

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, aggression may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be
immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you,
or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

 Being a danger to yourself or others, including threatening, irrational or suicidal

behavior
 Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion,
delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
 Seizure
 Trauma, such as bone deformity, burns, eye injuries and other injuries

Causes
What causes aggression?
Although specific causes of aggression are not known, some studies have shown that abnormal
brain chemistry or structural changes may play a role. Environment and genetics also seem to be
involved. Aggression is a potential symptom of diseases, disorders or conditions that interfere
with thought processes, such as dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and a
number of personality disorders.

Psychiatric and cognitive causes of aggression

Aggression may be caused by psychiatric or cognitive diseases, disorders or conditions
including:

 Antisocial personality disorder (disordered perceptions and interactions with others)

 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
 Autism
 Borderline personality disorder (disorder characterized by unstable relationships)
 Conduct disorder (behavior disorder of childhood)
 Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease
 Intermittent explosive disorder (disorder characterized by extreme anger)
 Oppositional defiant disorder (pattern of defiance and hostile behavior toward authority
figures)
 Post-traumatic stress disorder
 Schizophrenia
 Substance abuse

Other causes of aggression

Aggression can also be caused by other diseases, disorders or conditions including:

 Brain tumors
 Head injury

Serious or life-threatening causes of aggression

In some cases, aggression may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that
should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:

 Acute delirium (sudden onset of mental status changes due to illness or toxicity)
 Alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal
 Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
 Mania (elevated mood and energy levels that can occur in bipolar disorder)
 Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the sac around the brain and spinal cord)
 Stroke
 Traumatic brain injury

Questions for diagnosing the cause of aggression

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several
questions related to your aggression including:
 When did you first notice your aggression?
 What do you find provokes your aggression?
 Where do you direct your aggression?
 What kind of aggressive behaviors have you noticed?
 Do you have any other symptoms?
 Do you have a family history of mental illness?
 Do you have any other psychiatric or medical problems?
 What medications are you taking?
 Are you taking other drugs?
 Do you use alcohol?

What are the potential complications of aggression?

Because aggression can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious
complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important
for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design
specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

 Difficulties at work, in school, in social environments, and with relationships

 Drug and alcohol use and abuse
 Drug overdose or alcohol poisoning
 Increased risk of injury
 Law violations and legal troubles
 Self-harm
 Suicide or violence