neural mechanisms AO1

• Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow impulses in one area of the brain to be transmitted into another area. Therefore all behaviours, including aggression, are influenced by the action of neurotransmitters.
• Serotonin

  • Low levels of serotonin leads to aggression
  • Serotonin in normal levels works in the pre-frontal areas of the brain to inhibit the firing of the amygdala
  • This is the part of the brain that controls fear, anger and other emotional responses
  • Therefore inhibiting the firing of the amygdala controls impulsive and aggressive behaviour
• Serotonin

  • Therefore inhibiting the firing of the amygdala controls impulsive and aggressive behaviour
  • However, if there is low levels of serotonin then there is less inhibition of the amygdala which leads to a person acting on their impulses and making aggression more likely
  • The serotonin deficiency hypothesis suggests lower than normal levels of serotonin in the orbital frontal cortex result. in less self-control over the limbic system's aggressive impulses, shown by lower levels of 5-HIAA. in the spinal fluid of more aggressive people suggesting low levels of serotonin in the brain.