Effects of d-amphetamine on human aggressive behavior

Male research subjects were administered placebo and three doses of d-amphetamine (5, 10 and 20 mg/70 kg) in a laboratory situation which provided both aggressive and non-aggressive response options. The non-aggressive response was button pressing maintained by presentation of points exchangeable for money at the end of the session. The aggressive response was button pressing on a separate manipulanda which ostensibly subtracted points from a fictitious partner. Aggressive responding was elicited by subtracting points from the research subjects which was attributed to the fictitious partner. d-Amphetamine increased both aggressive and non-aggressive responding, particularly at 5 and 10 mg/70 kg. At the highest dose (20 mg/70 kg), aggressive responding decreased to levels similar to those observed during placebo sessions, while monetary reinforced responding remained elevated.