Behavioral contingencies and d-amphetamine effects on human aggressive and non-aggressive responding

Animal studies have reported biphasic effects of d-amphetamine on aggressive behavior, with low doses increasing and high doses decreasing aggressive behavior. Consumption of high doses of d-amphetamine has been consistently linked with the occurrence of human aggressive behavior. This study examined the effects of low doses of d-amphetamine on human aggressive responding maintained at different rates by either avoidance of or escape from scheduled provocations in a laboratory setting. D-amphetamine increased non-aggressive monetary reinforced responses in most subjects. Dose-response curves for aggressive responses were frequently biphasic with increases observed at 10mg/70kg doses and decreases observed at higher doses.