Specifically, low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) have been associated with impulsive aggression in both human and animal studies (Asberg, Scalling, Trakeman-Bendz, & Wagner, 1987; Linnoila & Virkkunen, 1992).
Another model, called irritable aggression, says that impaired functioning of serotonin-secreting nerve cells produces greater irritability and a higher level of reactivity to triggers and situations. Impulsive aggression is also said to be characterized by low cerebrospinal fluid levels of serotonin.
Lack of enough serotonin is thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, mania and other health conditions. Most of the serotonin found in your body is in your gut (intestines). About 90% of serotonin is found in the cells lining your gastrointestinal tract.
On the transmitter level, aggression has frequently been associated with alterations of serotonergic neural activity (Duke et al., 2013). Pharmacological serotonin challenges have been reported to influence both PFC-amygdala connectivity and aggressive feelings (Klasen et al., 2013).
Serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter, contributes to the formation of social hierarchy and positively affects dominance in humans and other primates.
Serotonin syndrome occurs when someone has an excess of the neurotransmitter serotonin in their nervous system. The condition's symptoms generally fall into three categories: Altered mental status (irritability, agitation, restlessness, and anxiety)
Norepinephrine (NE) is responsible for fear and anger emotions that trigger “fight or flight” response; fear and anger are classified as one core emotion—the stressful emotion—like two sides of the same coin.
Testosterone activates the subcortical areas of the brain to produce aggression, while cortisol and serotonin act antagonistically with testosterone to reduce its effects.
Cortisol is a steroid and the body's main stress hormone, released from the adrenal cortex. One of the first studies described a model in which the HPA axis was linked to aggression (47) and later, cortisol and aggression were seen in wrestlers who after fighting showed an increased level in serum cortisol (48).
What Are The Symptoms of Serotonin Deficiency? You may have a shortage of serotonin if you have a sad depressed mood, low energy, negative thoughts, feel tense and irritable, crave sweets, and have a reduced interest in sex. Other serotonin-related disorders include: Depression.
Additionally, serotonergic hypofunction may contribute to the hyperactivity of the dopaminergic system, which further promotes impulsive and aggressive behaviors.
Specific neurotransmitter systems involved in mammalian aggression include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and neuropeptides such as vasopressin and oxytocin.
When an angry feeling coincides with aggressive or hostile behavior, it also activates the amygdala, an almond–shaped part of the brain associated with emotions, particularly fear, anxiety, and anger.
Unrelenting anger can sometimes be a sign of a mental health condition. While challenges with emotional regulation can be a symptom of several conditions, Ogle indicates that anger can often relate to: anxiety disorders. depression.
Stress And Fatigue. Stressful events, such as work pressure, financial problems or relationship issues could prompt feelings of anger and frustration. Additionally, lack of sleep or physical exhaustion might make you more irritable and prone to anger.
Anger is present as a key criterion in five diagnoses within DSM-5: Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.
Under some circumstances, oxytocin may increase aggression by enhancing reactivity to provocation and simultaneously lowering perceptions of danger that normally inhibit many women from retaliating. There is some evidence that high levels of estradiol and progesterone are associated with low levels of aggression.
Recognizing emotions in bodies: Vagus nerve stimulation enhances recognition of anger while impairing sadness - PMC.
In almost all of these scenarios, we need to help the body retain and make more serotonin—the chemical in the brain that becomes depleted with chronic pain, chronic digestive issues, chronic stress or anxiety, poor sleep, poor nutrition, etc.
Some inherited genetic disorders may affect the body's ability to make or metabolize serotonin. Lifestyle and other factors that may also play a role include: Hormonal shifts, such as due to beginning or stopping hormone replacement therapy, menopause, pregnancy, or advancing age. Lack of sunlight.
In the last decade, data from both animal and human studies have been suggested that serotonin has more associated with impulsive aggression than with aggression subtypes, with more “waiting impulsivity” in impulsivity subtypes.
The small study showed that during periods of competition, those with low levels of the neurotransmitter stopped focusing on their goals and acted out aggressively. Dopamine is commonly linked to feelings of pleasure, gratification and motivation.