How Does Anger Happen in the Brain?

Ever wonder what automatic combination of neurological forces are at work when we become angry? With the goal of our dialogue being to figure out how to better deal with anger, let’s take a look at how anger happens inside of our brain.

The cerebral cortex (cortex) is the thinking part of the brain where logic and judgment reside. It is the outer portion of the brain and is divided into lobes. Think of the cortex as the strategy center of the brain. The emotional center of the brain is the limbic system. It is located lower in the brain and is considered to be more primitive than the cortex. When someone is experiencing and expressing anger, he or she is not using the thinking (cortex) part of the brain, but primarily, the limbic center of the brain.

Have you encountered your amygdala today?

Within the limbic system is a small structure called the amygdala, a storehouse for emotional memories. It is also the area of the brain responsible for our “fight or flight” reactions, our natural survival instincts. The data coming in from the world around us passes through the amygdala where the decision is made whether to send the data to the limbic or cortex area of the brain. If the incoming data triggers enough of an emotional charge, the amygdala can override the cortex, which means the data will be sent to the limbic system causing the person to react using the lower part of the brain.

Which scales are your anger?