Anger in Personality Disorders – Catalyser of Violence – Bio-Psycho-Social Mechanisms

Abstract

Introduction

Personality disorders designate a series of personality traits involving a behavioural pattern characterized by the recurrent violation of social norms, the importance of medico-legal implications associated to personality disorders being incontestable.

Objective

This study aims to obtain a clear image regarding the particularities of violent behaviour, and also the mechanisms of anger in personality disorders, in relation with the legal implications of those reactions.

Methods

The present study is a synthesis of recent literature (2012-2014) regarding the role of anger in violent behaviour with legal implications, in personality disorders. The research was made on PubMed, by the following keywords: personality disorder; violence in personality disorders; anger.

Results

The core element that determines violent behaviour is anger. The physical effects of anger include increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as an increase in the level of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Therefore, anger can be considered an integrant part of the response to a potential aggression or a potentially dangerous environment. Several general circumstances can activate anger. A strong example in supporting this theory is the bidirectional relation between anger within personality disorders and the use of alcohol and psychoactive substances. The individual gets extra stimulation, including through their psychopharmacological properties, thus exacerbating anger.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it is necessary to conduct future studies focusing on the underlying causes of violence in personality disorders, as well as on the warning signs of potential violent acts, considering that personality disorders alone often cannot explain criminality.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.