Constructing a Neurology of Anger

Abstract

In keeping with general neurological principles, earlier stage processing of verbal and visual triggers for an-er must involve posterior and middle temporal cortices. As this processing typically evolves, it evokes memory of related events (e.g., past Insults) and other relevant information from more anterior temporal areas. This mutual interaction shapes perceptions of anger-provoking challenges which activate cortical/subcortical Circuits that prime and mediate angry/aggressive actions, e.g., cingulate motor areas 23 and 24 and medial/basal amygdala. The initial appraisals of anger in mid- and anterior temporal lobe are also transmitted anteriorly to ventromedial and orbitofrontal cortex. The latter integrates anger-provoking perceptions, e.g., combining the insulting verbal comment with the visual sneer, and weighs inhibitory factors like received or anticipated punishment. empathy with the offender and his relative social status. The combined result determines angry aggressive responses, if any, by disinhibiting the subcortical circuits activated by the temporal lobe. Interactions between ventromedial and orbitofrontal areas and/or feedback to the temporal lobe govern the escalation of aggression.