Aspirin 'could cure a bad temper'

Researchers at the University of Chicago found the link between inflammation and a short fuse by:

• Scientists measured CRP and IL-6 levels in the blood of 197 physically healthy volunteers.
• Of the group, 69 had been diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder
• 61 with non-aggressive psychiatric disorders.
• While 67 had no mental problems.

Read more: Experts find link between bad temper and inflammation

Scientists found "a powerful indication" of a link between inflammation and a bad temper but researchers confessed they were unable to work out which one triggers the other.

Lead scientist Professor Emil Coccaro, from the University of Chicago, who oversaw the research explained:

A bad temper could be cured with an aspirin, say researchers in the US who have found that outbursts of anger may be linked to inflammation in the body.

Inflammation, when a part of the body swells because of harmful stimuli, was found to be greater in those with a psychiatric condition called "intermittent explosive disorder", or IED, say scientists.

They found more inflammation markers in the blood of those with very short fuses when compared to calmer people.

The research raises the possibility of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin could be used as a literal "chill pill" to calm people down.