Advertisement

Can Aspirin really be used to cool a bad temper?

The age-old adage of "taking a chill pill" might just ring true, according to a recent study that suggests anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin could reduce aggression in certain people.

Researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of Colorado claim to have found biological markers which show a connection between inflammation in the body and an anger-related condition called intermittent explosive disorder (IED.

"We don't yet know 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," explains senior study author Dr. Emil Coccaro from the University of Chicago.

Also see: An apple a day really does keep the doctor away

The disorder, which affects about 16 million Americans, causes extreme outbursts of anger triggered by relatively inconsequential problems. People who experience road rage are often found to have IED.

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, examined close to 200 physically healthy participants. The researchers discovered that two types of proteins associated with inflammation -- C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) -- were present in higher concentrations in the blood among people with IED.

"These two markers consistently correlate with aggression and impulsivity but not with other psychiatric problems," says Coccaro.

Also see: Two-minute stress solutions

The study authors suggest that medications that reduce inflammation, such as Aspirin and Celebrex, may drive down aggression in people with IED, as their aggression is tied to inflammation.

So do these findings mean that just anybody with a hot fuse should pop an Aspirin when they're angry?

Probably not. As noted by the National Health Service, a fraction of the British government, this study does not in prove that Aspirin helps minimize feelings of rage.

Also see: New mood sweater reveals your true feelings