Aggressive dyscontrol in patients treated with benzodiazepines.

Abstract

Periodic reports have suggested that benzodiazepines may be associated with a loss of control over aggressive impulses. Manifestations range from irritability to increased verbal hostility to frank assault. After reviewing data from case reports, experimental studies, and incidence reports, the authors attempt to characterize the phenomenon, estimate the incidence of clinically adverse sequelae to be less than 1%, and find consistent predictive indicators lacking.