may account for these discrepancies. First, the types of food additives used in these studies have varied substantially. Second, a wide ranges of doses have been used. It has been argued that the dose of food additives used in some experiments was too low to produce adverse behavioral effects. However, it should be noted that the results of studies using larger doses have been both positive and negative. Finally, age may alter sensitivity to food additives. In general, younger children have been found to be more sensitive to food additives than older children (Harley et al., 1978; Conners, 1980; Weiss et al., 1980).

The preceding data allow several inferences to be drawn about the effects of food additives on hyperactive behavior. First, Feingold's claims and those from other open trials have been overstated. At best, only a small percentage of hyperactive children may be adversely affected by food additives. Second, younger children may be more sensitive to food additives than older children. Third, there may be a dose-response curve for food additives, just as there is for any toxic substance, but this has yet to be demonstrated.

In conclusion, the data on food additives and behavior are such to preclude any major legislative or administrative action to remove food additives or severely limit their use. Further studies of those few children who appear to respond negatively to food additives seem warranted. Additionally, research with experimental animals examining whether food additives have any biological activity in the central nervous system is recommended.

Over the past 10 years, the results of several types of experiments have suggested that an inverse relationship may exist between blood cholesterol concentration and violent behavior (Virkkunen, 1983b; Virkkunen and Penttinen, 1984; Kaplan and Manuck, 1990; Muldoon et al., 1990). For example, Virkkunen and colleagues (Virkkunen, 1983b; Virkkunen and Penttinen, 1984) measured fasting serum cholesterol levels in male homicidal offenders and found that those with antisocial personality disorder or intermittent explosive disorder with habitually violent tendencies had lower cholesterol levels than other offenders. This difference was particularly pronounced in men under the age of 30. It was hypothesized that the lower cholesterol levels in the violent offenders may be a consequence of enhanced insulin secretion.

Front Matter (R1-R10)

An Overview of Biological Influences on Violent Behavior (1-20)

Genetics and Violence (21-58)

The Neurobiology of Violence and Aggression (59-172)

Hormonal Aspects of Aggression and Violence (173-244)

Neurochemistry and Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Aggression and Violence (245-514)

Nutrition and Violent Behavior (515-540)

Index (541-549)