CSF studies on alcoholism and related behaviours.

1. A defect in central serotonin metabolism may manifest itself in poor impulse control leading to attempts at suicide, violence towards others, and Type II alcohol abuse. 2. Studies reporting negative associations between low CSF levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA and personality traits of aggressiveness and hostility are reviewed. 3. We also studied pathological gamblers. They showed significantly increased central noradrenaline metabolism, perhaps related to sensation seeking.