New research, conducted at the University of Chicago Medical Center, has shown that individuals with various anger disorders demonstrate weakened connections in various regions of the brain.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to monitor characteristics in patients with intermittent explosive disorder (IED). This type of imaging is able to deliver information on the volume measurements and the density of white connective tissues in the brain. Traditionally, it has been found that there are very little structural differences between individuals with psychiatric disorders, compared to healthy individuals.
Results from this form if imaging demonstrated that there was decreased density and integrity of connection in an area of the brain called the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) in patients with IED, when compared to healthy individuals. The SLF connects the frontal and parietal lobe, and is responsible for sensory input, the processing of language, and social interactions. The differences in these connections can lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of information in individuals with IED.
This new research highlights possible avenues to direct therapy efforts, as there are clear differences in neural connections between individuals with IED, and those without.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
References:
Royce Lee, Konstantinos Arfanakis, Arnold M Evia, Jennifer Fanning, Sarah Keedy, Emil F Coccaro. White Matter Integrity Reductions in Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2016; DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.74
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160706175333.htm
