Part 4 - Neurobiology of Anger

Role of Hormones in Anger

Hormones significantly influence our emotions, including anger. Several glands in the body secrete hormones that play vital roles in various bodily functions and emotional regulation. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to emotional disturbances, such as mood swings, depression, and anger outbursts. This is particularly evident in women during different phases of their reproductive cycle, such as menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause.

Key Hormones Influencing Anger

1. Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

- Source: Adrenal glands

- Role: Adrenaline is released during stress and anger, causing a prolonged state of arousal. This lowers the anger threshold, making it easier to become angry again and making it difficult to return to a resting state.

2. Progesterone

- Source: Ovaries (in females)

- Role: Progesterone deficiency can lead to mood swings and anger. It affects tolerance and clear thinking.

3. Testosterone

- Source: Testicles (in males) and ovaries (in females)

- Role: Testosterone levels can influence anger and depressive thoughts, especially in males. High or low levels can affect mood and anger temperament.

4. Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

- Source: Thyroid gland

- Role: Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can impact mood and anger. Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (deficient thyroid hormone) are associated with mood variations, including increased irritability and anger.

5. Cortisol

- Source: Adrenal glands

- Role: Known as the stress hormone, cortisol rises in response to stress, anger, or frustration. Elevated cortisol levels can sustain feelings of stress and anger.

Role of the Brain in Anger

The brain plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, with the limbic system being particularly involved in controlling emotions. The limbic system includes structures such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and limbic cortex, which work together to manage emotional responses, including anger.

Key Brain Structures Involved in Anger

1. Hypothalamus

- Role: Controls emotional responses and hormone release.

2. Hippocampus

- Role: Preserves and retrieves memories, which can trigger anger based on past experiences.

3. Amygdala

- Role: Plays a critical role in fear and anger emotions. It initiates the fight or flight response.

4. Limbic Cortex

- Role: Includes the cingulate gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus, which impact mood, motivation, and judgment.

Physiology of Anger

1. Trigger: A source of anger (e.g., disappointment, frustration, rejection, fear, judgment) stimulates the amygdala.

2. Response: The amygdala activates the hypothalamus.

3. Hormone Release: The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal glands.

4. Stress Hormones: Adrenal glands secrete adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol.

5. Expression: These hormones induce physiological responses associated with anger (e.g., increased heart rate, heightened alertness).

Summary

Hormones and brain structures work together to regulate the emotion of anger. Hormonal imbalances can exacerbate anger, and the brain's limbic system plays a central role in managing emotional responses. Understanding the interplay between these hormones and brain regions helps in comprehending how anger is triggered and expressed in individuals.

Content Credit : Bhagavad Gita, Upnishads, Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, S-VYASA

Image Credit : Image by brgfx on Freepik , Image by freepik , Canva