agression & brain

• Limbic system

  Key structure involved w violence is amygdala - important predictor of aggressive behaviour

  Coccaro et al (2007) studied people with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) - tendency of outburst of aggression. Ps brains scanned by fMRI while viewing images of faces - showed high levels of amygdala activity with angry faces - not found in non-IED Ps
• Pre frontal cortex

  recent research suggests amygdala works in tandem with orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) - region of pre-frontal cortex. Plays important role in cognitive functions like rational thinking and decision making. Involved in self control, impulse regulation and inhibition of aggressive behaviour.

  Patients w psychiatric disorders that feature aggression show lower OFC

  Raine found low activity in pre frontal cortex (includes OFC) and high in amygdala
• Serotonin

  NT with widespread inhibitory effects on transmission between neurons in brain (neuron activity). Normal levels of it show self control and low levels may indicate impulsive behaviours
• Dopamine

  NT with inhibitory and excitatory effects in diff parts of brain. Regulates motivated behaviour and reward system

  Underactivity of serotonin stimulates overactivity of dopamine - both linked with impulsivity and aggression