Combining antidepressants with behavioral therapy may help reduce the propensity to violence in men with alcohol dependence, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Researchers at the US National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have shown that taking Prozac enhances treatment outcomes by reducing aggression.
Although the study lasted only three months and only 24 out of 60 men survived, the researchers emphasize that these are important conclusions that should form the basis of further observations. It is estimated that about 70 percent. those responsible for domestic violence have problems with alcohol abuse.
The surveyed men were participants in alcohol addiction therapy and at the same time showed a tendency to violence towards their relatives. Half of them took additional Prozac each day, while the other half took a placebo.
According to the lead researcher, Dr. David George, men taking antidepressants were less irritable and less aggressive.
Behavioral therapy is the standard treatment for people who have problems with violence, and it is often imposed by a court of law. However, research shows that it slightly reduces aggressive behavior.
According to scientists, antidepressants may prove effective in such cases, as aggressive people are often more sensitive to stress. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is one of the selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake and helps regulate the level of this hormone, and thus affects the mood of patients (PAP).