Cholesterol and Violent Behaviour

Overview

Aggressive and violent behaviour may be caused by numerous factors, both internal and external.The role of cholesterol is focused on internal or biological factors. External factors includeddemographic, socioeconomic and sociocultural characteristics.Previous studies suggested that depressivity and suicidality are related to alterations in totalcholesterol serum concentrations. Trials of cholesterol lowering have shown an increased mortality from violent deaths and suicide. Studies find low serum cholesterol concentrations in peoplewith violent or aggressive behaviour.The biological mechanism for this relation is unknown. Some theories suggested, that low cholesterol might affect mikroviscozity of the membranes which could contribute to a decrease in brainserotonin funktion and this may in turn increase impulsive behaviour. Thus reduced cholesterol,whether through medication or other reasons, could make such complex behaviour as violencetowards one self or others much more likely.

Key words:
cholesterol, violence, depression, suicide, impulsivity, serotonin.