A new University of Chicago study shows that anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen may help control anger linked to systemic inflammation, the National Monitor reported.
Researchers in the study analyzed 70 people diagnosed with a condition called "intermittent explosive disorder" (IED), 61 people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders unrelated to aggression, and 67 people as controls.
At the end of the study, results demonstrated a connection between two markers of inflammation of participants who suffered from IED but not in the controlled group.
Dr. Emil Coccaro, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago and researcher in the study, said the results are not certain of anything just yet.
"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," Coccaro said.
The levels of one marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), were twice as high in "explosive" participants in addition to a second marker, interleukin-6 (IL-6).
"These two markers consistently correlate with aggression and impulsivity but not with other psychiatric problems," Coccaro added.
Current treatment for IED includes psychotherapy and mood-stabilizing drugs, though both are not guaranteed to be successful in patients. The recent study's findings opens the door to exploring new methods of treatment like aspirin and ibuprofen, though they have yet to be specifically linked.
Aside from anger issues, IED is also linked to other forms of mental illness such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug abuse, opening up the possibility of the over-the-counter medicine to treat and possibly cure a wide array of illnesses.
