Factors influencing the pathway from trauma to aggression: A current review of behavioral studies

Psychiatrists frequently find themselves faced with aggressive behavior on the part of their patients. A large body of literature indicates that traumatic experiences in the anamnesis might be a risk factor for violent behavior. But, not all maltreated children became perpetrators of violence themselves. The present review assembled actual behavioral studies that focus on factors which might influence the pathway from trauma to aggression. Substance use to cope, occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, altered impulsivity and emotional dysregulation are some of the phenomena that seem to be of importance. Also, possible diagnostics and treatment implications for both general and forensic psychiatry are discussed.