Is road rage due to inflammation?

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Bahar Gholipour of Live Science reports on the recent study in JAMA Psychiatry on the relationship between intermittent explosive disorder (IED) and inflammation:

“The researchers measured markers of inflammation in the blood of 70 people diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a condition that involves repeated episodes of impulsive aggression and temper tantrums, as seen in road rage, domestic abuse and throwing or breaking objects.”

“The results showed a direct relationship between levels of two markers of inflammation and impulsivity and aggression in people with IED.”

Lead author and psychiatry professor Dr. Emil Coccaro comments:

"We don't know yet if the inflammation triggers aggression, or aggressive feelings set off inflammation, but it's a powerful indication that the two are biologically connected, and a damaging combination."

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