Author's reply [Letter]

Once upon a time the depressed were idle, the psychotic were possessed, and those suffering with any form of mental illness were punished, exorcised, ridiculed, confined, excluded or criminalised. Thankfully, as a result of investment in research, there have been significant advances in the understanding of the brain and the biological underpinnings of mental disorders, emotions and behaviours, including aggression. To advocate the omission of the scientific study of aggression from that of the rest of the brain would be anomalous, to say the least. Aggression can indeed lead to ‘bad behaviour’, as indicated by Dr Mushtaq, but to conclude that they are synonymous is inaccurate and is missing the point. Many individuals are extremely distressed by the impact of their own propensity to extreme anger or aggression. Many seek help, but often little is available. Without research into the efficacy and safety of potential interventions, be they medical, psychological or social, there would be no evidence to guide practice. Effective help is needed, not ostracism