Neural Mechanisms in Aggression - Serotonin - Mindmap in A Level and IB Psychology

View mindmap

AGGRESSION - SEROTONIN (NEURAL)
- Serotonin = neurotransmitter involved in communication of impulses between neurons.
- Low levels associated with agg, risk taking behaviour in animals, humans.
- Inhibits the firing of amygdala.
- Normal levels of serotonin in orbitofrontal cortex linked with firing of neruons and this associated with greater degree of behavioural self control
  - Decreased serotonin may disturb this mechanism, reducing self control, leading to increase in impulsive behaviour (agg) - Denson et al 2012.
- Dexfenfluamine is drug that alters serotonin levels and increase agg behaviour.
  - Tryptophan is amino acid that produces serotonin - high levels of try = high levels of serotonin = decreased agg.
- Normal elvels exerts a calming, inhibitory effect on neural firing in the brain.
- Serotonin regulates sleep patterns
Has widespread inhibitory effects on the brain.
- Slows down and dampens neuronal activity.
Normal levels of serotonin in orbitofrontal cortex linked with firing of neruons and this associated with greater degree of behavioural self control
- Decreased serotonin may disturb this mechanism, reducing self control, leading to increase in impulsive behaviour (agg) - Denson et al 2012.
Serotonin deficiency hypothesis - serotonin influences agg, violent behaviour, oversleeping, depression

Get Revising