Anger is very powerful emotion. We all experience it but it’s intensity varies individual to individual. We try to channelize this particular emotion according to our learning and experiences.
Major causes of the anger are different factors like, trauma, stress , unmet needs, personality characteristics, developmental issues and communication barriers.
Now we explore the brain functioning during anger so we can better understand the origin of anger emotion and how it effects the brain and other body parts.
1. The limbic system is the emotional center of the brain, and it is very important in generating emotions like anger.
Two major components of limbic systems are:
Amygdala: The amygdala is critical for processing emotions, especially fear, aggression, and anger. When we perceive a threat (whether physical, emotional, or social), the amygdala triggers an emotional response to protect us.
Consider a scenario,when our colleague/friend criticise our work publicly.
As soon as our colleague makes the critical comment, our amygdala quickly reacts to the perceived threat. Criticism, especially in public, can feel like an attack on our competence or self-worth. Our brain interprets this situation as a social threat, triggering an emotional response of anger, embarrassment, or defensiveness.
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus helps regulate the body’s autonomic functions in response to emotions. During anger, it triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal glands. This creates the physical symptoms of anger, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension.
2. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), especially the ventromedial and dorsolateral regions, plays a key role in regulating and controlling emotions. When we feel anger, the PFC assesses the situation and decides how to respond.
It helps us to weigh the consequences of our actions and inhibits aggressive impulses. If the vmPFC isn’t functioning properly (due to damage, underdevelopment, or impairment by stress), it can lead to poor impulse control and unchecked aggression.
The ventromedial PFC evaluates the impact of the criticism of our colleague: Is it actually damaging our reputation, or is it more of a minor disagreement?
This region help us to weigh our options—how should we handle this publicly without making things worse?
3. The anterior cingulate cortex helps you manage emotional conflict. When you’re angry, the ACC monitors the emotional state and detects conflicts between emotional impulses and rational thoughts. For example, You may feel an urge to respond aggressively (e.g., by making a sharp retort or criticizing the colleague in return), but the ACC helps regulate this impulse by highlighting the potential social or professional consequences of losing your temper.
4. Insula (Body Awareness)
The insula is involved in the awareness of bodily sensations .During anger, the insula is activated as it processes the internal bodily sensations associated with the emotion, such as heart pounding or tension in muscles. This awareness heightens the emotional experience, making the anger feel more intense.
5. Several Neurotransmitters are involved in the brain's response to anger, primarily:
• Dopamine: Associated with reward and pleasure, dopamine can also fuel anger when the brain perceives that a desired goal or need is being blocked. This can lead to frustration, which often escalates into anger.
• Serotonin: Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, and low levels of serotonin have been linked to increased aggression and impulsivity. An imbalance in serotonin levels can make it harder to control angry outbursts.
• Norepinephrine: This stress hormone increases during anger, heightening alertness and arousal. It works in concert with adrenaline to prepare the body for immediate action, often pushing you toward a "fight" response.
The pituitary Gland:
The hypothalamus messages the pituitary gland, which then stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline. This leads to the physiological changes commonly associated with anger, such as:
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Pupil dilation
• High blood pressure
These physical changes prepare the body to either fight or flee from the perceived threat.
Chronic Anger and it’s effects on body systems:
If anger becomes chronic or is experienced frequently, it can have long-term effects on brain structure and function:
• Brain Function:
• Frequent anger can reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex, affecting judgment and impulse control.
• Chronic anger and the associated stress response can damage the hippocampus, which is important for memory , learning and cognitive functions.
• Cardiovascular System:
• Increases heart rate and blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart.
• Repeated anger episodes can raise the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
• Immune System:
• Triggers stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) which, over time, can weaken immunity.
• Chronic anger reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Digestive System:
• Releases stress hormones that can disrupt digestion.
• Leads to symptoms like stomach pain, acid reflux, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with prolonged anger.
• Respiratory System:
• Speeds up breathing, which can make it harder for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma to breathe properly.
• Can lead to shallow breathing and dizziness in intense anger.
• Muscle Tension:
• Causes muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back, to tighten.
• Chronic muscle tension can lead to headaches, migraines, and tension-related pain.
• Sleep Patterns:
• Anger can disrupt sleep quality, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• Poor sleep from chronic anger contributes to fatigue, irritability, and lower cognitive function.
• Hormonal Balance:
• Elevates stress hormones (e.g., cortisol, adrenaline), which can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other metabolic issues over time.
All abovementioned facts explained the emotion of anger physiology and how it’s severity harm us physically. It is also very critical for psychological wellbeing and personal relationship. So for our wellbeing, we have to learn its management.