Are violence and PCP related?

Street rumors and the popular media have spread stories about PCP 'freaks' who have seemingly superhuman strength and are monstrously violent. But does PCP really cause bizarre, violent behavior?

The first major media coverage of PCP started around mid to late 70s, just a few years after the drug hit the street. The stories covered by the media focused on the fact that PCP reduces or even eliminates people's ability to feel pain, which can make them appear to have superhuman strength, and can sometimes unleash extreme agitation or hostility during a bad trip. Stories covered by the media at this time included those of people high on PCP gouging their own eyes out, drowning in a swimming pool or shower stall, burning to death in a fire, cutting off various body parts, and violently attacking innocent...