Assessing the Effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor on GABA and Neurometabolic Levels in the Brains of Violent Offenders: A Pilot Study

Despite GABA implication in the regulation of aggression, the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on GABA and Glx in an impulsive-aggressive population is yet to be explored. Seven repeat-offenders were treated with Sertraline and underwent MRI/MRS scans pre- and post-treatment (3-4 weeks of treatment). No significant changes (p≥0.05) in ACC-GABA+ or ACC-Glx were reported. Significant reduction in ACC-Glx/tCr (p=0.02) and increase in ACC-NAA (p=0.05) were found, while MM09+L09 increase approached significance (p=0.06). Further investigation is warranted. SSRIs clearly exert secondary effects on Glx levels in the ACC, with possible effects on NAA and MM09+L09.