i decided to do some googling to answer my question re: the chemicals involved in that cop's hyper reaction and i came across some interesting and new research, if anyone is interested
basically, it seems to be a decrease in serotonin, an increase in oxytocin and a release of
arginine-vasopressin (avp)
the decrease in serotonin detail:
Quote:
The brain chemical serotonin has long been known to play an important role in regulating anger and aggression. Low cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of serotonin have even been cited as both a marker and predictor of aggressive behavior.
New studies from the Netherlands, however, indicate that this serotonin-deficiency hypothesis of aggressiveness may be too simple. "Serotonin deficiency appears to be related to pathological, violent forms of aggressiveness, but not to the normal aggressive behavior that animals and humans use to adapt to everyday survival," says Sietse de Boer, PhD, of the University of Groningen.
Furthermore, research now suggests that unchecked aggressive behavior can eventually change the brain in ways that cause serotonin activity to decrease-and, perhaps, violent behavior to increase.
|
perhaps this cop has had a series of unchecked aggressive behavior that led to an even lower level of serotonin.
the detail on oxytocin and avp:
Quote:
Researchers have identified, for the first time, that the release of a neurotransmitter called arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in an area of the brain called the amygdala helps regulate maternal aggression-a behavior that ensures the survival of the offspring. Although the study was conducted using rat dams, maternal aggression occurs in all mammals, including humans.
"By understanding the brain pathways underlying maternal aggression in rodents, we're also gaining deeper understanding of regulation of maternal behavior in general," says Oliver Bosch, PhD, of the University of Regensburg, in Germany.
Much of the past research into the neurobiology of maternal aggression has focused on oxytocin, a neurotransmitter released in the brain during birth and breastfeeding. Oxytocin reduces anxiety and fear, a factor that is believed to enable new mothers to more aggressively face intruders that might harm their offspring.
In his new study, Bosch investigated whether AVP also plays a role in the regulation of maternal aggressiveness. Found in all mammals, AVP is synthesized in the brain and then released to the kidneys, where it helps regulate the body's retention of water. More recently, AVP has been implicated in male aggression and other social behavior, particularly pair-bonding between sexual partners.
|
Brain Chemicals Involved In Aggression Identified: May Lead To New Treatments -- ScienceDaily
and also a very recent harvard study that points to gun violence being an anger issue and not a mental health issue.
Harvard Study Finds Anger Issues, Not Major Mental Illness, Tied To Gun Violence
i see a correlation.