Trial Information

Summary: Anger Medication Study

ANGER and aggression are everywhere – on the road, in the schools, at little league games. Anger can be used constructively at times. It can give us energy we need to fight back if physically attacked. However, for most situations it merely clouds our judgment and creates extra stress. If anger prompts aggressive behavior toward other people, it can permanently harm relationships–especially with those we love.

Do you have trouble with family, friends, and co-workers because of: Irritability? Repeated fighting with others? Temper outbursts?

If so, you may have an aggression problem called Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and may be eligible to take part in a National Institutes of Health funded research study being conducted by Dr. Emil Coccaro at the University of Chicago. Visit us in Hyde Park or our new office in downtown Chicago.

You should consult with your physician before deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial. Also, you will need to undergo a complete screening by the research staff to see if you are eligible prior to participation. Screening will include a physical exam, medical history, psychiatric diagnoses and history, and laboratory testing. The research team will discuss your options with you in order to help you decide whether a clinical trial is right for you.

In this research study, you might receive the experimental drug or a “sugar pill.” Study visits, study medications, and laboratory tests are provided at no cost to you. You will receive quality care from our research team that includes medical and behavioral exams. You can also earn up to $565 for completing all of the study procedures. In addition, we offer reimbursement for your travel expenses and secure parking is available at no cost.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: Adults age: 21-55 years
• Must meet our research criteria for having IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder)
• Generally physically healthy as confirmed by comprehensive medical history.
• Subject is able to give informed consent.
• Willing to be randomized to placebo (sugar pill) or fluoxetine (Prozac) or Divalproex Sodium (Depakote-ER).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Life history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or presence of an organic mental syndrome or mental retardation.
• Current major depressive disorder.
• Current alcohol/drug abuse or dependence.
• Active medical condition that will compromise interpretation of the neurobiological assessment.
• Concomitant thymoleptic treatments (tricyclic/MAOI antidepressants, lithium, carbamepazine, phenytoin, etc.) deemed clinical necessary by treating psychiatrist.
• Concomitant neuroleptic treatment deemed clinical necessary by treating psychiatrist.
• Unwilling/unable to sign informed consent document.
• Abnormal platelet count.

For more information,

If you would like to learn more about participating in this study, please send an e-mail message using the form below.