The Chemistry of Anger

Introduction

Have you ever been so mad you feel hot headed, blood start to boil, palms start to sweat? I’m sure you have came close to something like this when you become very angry. Anger is a very interesting thing when you take the time to think about. There is lots of chemistry going on while becoming angry. During school i can find myself becoming angry from all the stress that my classes put me through. Especially having younger siblings can cause some serious anger. When i heard about how we had to do this project i felt extremely angry so i thought i could put it to some use and learn a few things behind it.Composition of ...

    • Physical reaction: is called the Fight to flight response.Where you show how you feel by sweating, pupil dilation, and increase in blood pressure.
    • The cognitive experience: is when you are thinking that what is happening to you is unfair or wrong.
  • Behavior: is how you express your anger. You can either express your anger in a healthy way or a not so healthy way.

Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components

Epinephrine (C9H13NO3) also known as adrenaline, is a chemical that i given off when becoming angry. It allows the amygdala to send signals to the frontal lobe of the brain that then allows neurotransmitters that speed up your heart rate and show other signs that you are becoming angry.


Non-epinephrine(C9H13NO3) is known as the adrenaline rush. It is what monitors the heart rate and and blood pressure. It allows you to make the decision if you will handle the situation in a positive or negative way.

Chemistry's Role

The role that chemistry plays in anger is by the epinephrine and non-epinephrine.Without these two chemicals the body would not be able to give off any reactions when you become angry or try and show any other emotions that involves adrenaline. Epinephrine allows you to engage into the flight to fight reaction which determines how you handle the situation that you are in, by either walking away from the problem or engage aggressively. Non epinephrine is known as the adrenaline rush which in some cases can lead to aggression in situation.It gives them the strength to defend themselves in extreme situations.

Background Research

How you control and express your angry depends on the person. You can either handle it in a very healthy way or not so healthy way. The physical reaction allows you to show how you feel by the signals.The cognitive experience is when you think about how you are going to approach the situation. Behavior is how you express the way you are going to handle problem.

Resources

http://stress.lovetoknow.com/What_Is_the_Name_of_the_Brain_Chemical_Released_When_You_Are_Angry

Chemical that is released when you become angry.

http://blogs.redorbit.com/anger-nothing-but-chemical-reactions/

The process that goes on in the brain while becoming angry.

http://www.els.net/WileyCDA/ElsArticle/refId-a0001401.htm

More information about the chemicals released when becoming angry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catecholamine

Definition of catecholamine

http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topic/anger/what-anger

Reactions that come from anger

About the Author

Alysia Martinez is a junior at Billings Senior High. She is very outgoing,her hobbies include playing soccer during the fall and track during the spring. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.After high school she plans to go to college to be in the dental field.