**8.2. AVP and male human aggression**

AVP levels in cerebrospinal fluid (csf) have been correlated with aggression in male humans [183]. However, a study comparing csf AVP in violent offenders vs. controls found no differences [184]. Patients with PTSD often have difficulties controlling their aggression levels, and clinical studies suggest that plasma levels are elevated in war veterans with PTSD [185]. Furthermore, intranasal AVP enhances physiological responding to combat images in male Vietnam veterans compared to saline and OXT [186], and AVP has been identified as a likely mediator for the effects of early life stress on the development of PTSD [187]. The available clinical evidence supports continued investigation of central AVP in the development of treatments for aggression disorders.
