The limbic system is a primitive portion of the brain involved in modulating emotion and the fight-flight mechanism. Disturbance in this section of the brain can result in impulsive violence. Organic pathology is associated with violent behavior. This may include head trauma that injures limbic structures, the biological effects of alcohol and drugs, the idiosyncratic reactions to and side effects of prescribed medications, anoxia and hypoxemia (lack of oxygen to the brain), electrolyte disturbances, endocrine disorders, genetic and developmental disorders, epilepsy, the dyscontrol syndrome, space-occupying lesions, infections, the dementias, and cerebral vascular disease. Various functional disorders are also associated with violent behavior. These can include affective disorders, schizophrenia, and character disorder. 90 references.