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Scientists have identified a region of the brain called the amygdala as the part of the brain that processes fear and triggers anger.

When the amygdala is stimulated, many hormones are released that cause physical and emotional alarm. Energy follows, preparing the person for the fight or flight response.

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A Closer Look

The amygdala activates the hypothalamus, which signals the pituitary gland by discharging corticotropin - releasing hormones (CRH).

The pituitary activates the adrenal glands by releasing adrenocorticotropic

hormone (ACTH).

The adrenal glands secrete stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and

noradrenaline.

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How Anger Changes Your Brain

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Elevated cortisol levels cause neurons to accept too much calcium through their membrane, which may cause cells to fire too frequently and die.

The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are particularly vulnerable to cortisol and these negative effects.

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Elevated cortisol:

kills neurons in the hippocampus
disrupts the creation of new neurons.
weakens short-term memory.
prevents you from forming new memories properly.

HIPPOCAMPUS

PREFRONTAL CORTEX

Elevated cortisol causes:

loss of neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PCF).
prevents you from using your best judgment.

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Your Body and

Stress From Anger

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Activation of the amygdala activates glands that secrete stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

If this occurs repeatedly and becomes chronic, a couple things can happen to your body:

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Chronic stress impairs brain function by disrupting synapse regulation, resulting in the loss of sociability and the avoidance of interactions with others.

Stress can also kill brain cells and even reduce the size of the brain (has a shrinking effect on the prefrontal cortex).

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Stress may cause a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the stomach, which could lead to cramping, inflammation, or an imbalance of gut bacteria. It can also exacerbate gastrointestinal disorders.

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When you’re in fight or flight mode, your eyes can suffer because your brain will cause your pupils to dilate.

When you’re stressed out for a long amount of time, the constant dilation causes sensitivity to light, creating serious strain on your eyes. The muscles in/around your eyes can tighten, causing twitching and soreness.

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SOURCES

Karmin, Aaron. “Anger and the Brain: What Happens in Your Head When You Get Angry.” Psych Central.com, 3 June 2016, blogs.psychcentral.com/anger/2016/06/anger-and-the-brain/#

“The Mind and Mental Health: How Stress Affects the Brain.” Touro University WorldWide, 9 June 2020, www.tuw.edu/health/how-stress-affects-the-brain/.

“Stressed Out? How Stress Affects Your Eyes.” All About Eyes, allabouteyes.com/stressed-stress-affects-eyes/.