Does Sertraline help anger? (+3 facts)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will look into the role of Sertraline in anger management. We will further be looking into the relationship between anger and the mechanism of Sertraline. We will also discuss some alternate anger management strategies.
Does Sertraline help anger?
Yes, Sertraline helps in anger management. Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant given for the treatment of depression which can also help manage anger, violence, and related symptoms in patients.
Most patients with personality disorders, brain injuries, PTSD, and OCD, are diagnosed with anger issues. These can be managed by taking Sertraline only under your doctor’s guidance and supervision.
What does research suggest?
According to studies, dysfunction in serotonergic transmission is linked with behavioral dysregulation in humans leading to hostility and anger. Psychiatric patients suffer from an imbalance in brain chemicals which is a reason for aggressive attitude.
It is presumed that low levels of serotonin are a leading factor for anger and aggression in patients with psychiatric conditions. This reduction in serotonin levels in the brain causes excessive anger which has a severe impact on the mental health of patients (1).
Therefore, substances that increase serotonergic levels in the brain i.e. Sertraline and other SSRI antidepressants tend to reduce violence and aggressive behaviour in patients taking these medications (1).
Aggression and angry behaviours are usually observed in patients with psychiatric diseases. Violence has been commonly observed in patients with substance abuse, personality, or anxiety disorders (2).
How does Sertraline help in anger management?
Sertraline works by blocking the serotonin transporter in the pre-synaptic terminal and increasing serotonin synaptic levels. This increases the availability of serotonin leading to enhanced serotonergic transmission (1).
While on Sertraline, the levels of serotonin in the brain are increased resulting in a reduction in anger and violence proneness. An increase in levels of serotonin also serves as a mood stabilizer (1).
Sertraline starts exerting its antidepressant effects within 4-6 weeks. Clinical reports have shown a reduction in anger, violence, and aggression in patients within an estimated 8 weeks of continuous treatment with Sertraline (2).
Sertraline has shown positive results in patients coping with underlying anger and aggression. However, not every patient responded positively to the treatment with Sertraline for anger management. Such patients were given a reduced dose or an alternate drug for underlying anger treatment (1).
However, Sertraline is not an FDA-approved drug for anger treatment. Rather it is a prescribed antidepressant preferably used for treating PTSD, OCD, and other mental health conditions. It is indirectly related to controlling anger due to its serotonergic mechanism of action (1).
Is anger commonly associated with psychiatric conditions?
Every patient with a psychiatric disorder does not exhibit symptoms of anger and aggression. Rather most patients express their rage through anger and hostility as an underlying condition.
Others express through various other symptoms such as (4) :
- Persistent sadness
- Loss of interest
- Low self-esteem
- Hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Changes in appetite
- Low energy
- Easily fatigued
Anger is a destructive emotion commonly linked with mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, etc. These patients show violence and aggression among other symptoms. However, not all patients show anger as a common symptom.
Anger periods in depressed patients are usually associated with tachycardia, sweating, hot flashes, and compression in the chest. They are anxious and exhibit hostility and rage with anger attacks (2).
Some of them face severe anger attacks with the presence of hostility and aggression due to reduced serotonin levels. Serotonergic dysfunction is specified in patients with depression along with anger attacks (3).
What are the alternate anger management therapies?
Mental health patients face severe anger, agitation, and hostility. Taking SSRI antidepressants alleviates these symptoms and shows improvement in their mood and overall behaviour.
However, considering some alternate anger management strategies helps in improved outcomes. Some of these mood-uplifting strategies include (5):
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Lifestyle changes
You can consider these coping therapies to treat anger associated with other mental health conditions. Your doctor should suggest an anger management approach that aligns with your health preference and choice.
Conclusion
We have successfully discussed the effects of Sertraline in anger management. The article explains the link between anger and violence to the use of Sertraline in detail. This article also sheds light on some alternate anger management strategies that might help patients with depression and anxiety.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Romero-Martínez Á, Murciano-Martí S, Moya-Albiol L. Is Sertraline a Good Pharmacological Strategy to Control Anger? Results of a Systematic Review. Behav Sci (Basel). 2019 May 23;9(5):57. doi: 10.3390/bs9050057. PMID: 31126061; PMCID: PMC6562745. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6562745/
2.-
Farnam A, MehrAra A, Dadashzadeh H, Chalabianlou G, Safikhanlou S. Studying the Effect of Sertraline in Reducing Aggressive Behavior in Patients with Major Depression. Adv Pharm Bull. 2017 Jun;7(2):275-279. doi: 10.15171/apb.2017.033. Epub 2017 Jun 30. PMID: 28761830; PMCID: PMC5527242.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5527242/
3.-
Painuly, N., Sharan, P. & Mattoo, S.K. Relationship of anger and anger attacks with depression. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 255, 215–222 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-004-0539-5
4.-
World Health Organization (WHO). 31 March 2023. Depressive disorder (depression) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression/
5.-
American Psychological Association. (2019, December 30). Understanding anger: How psychologists help with anger problems. https://www.apa.org/topics/anger/understanding
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