Aggressive women - genes' fault

A new research has found the true cause of aggressive behavior in women. The University of Pittsburgh conducted a study where it was revealed that variations in serotonin receptor gene are closely related to hostility and ill temper in women.

As it was previously showed by various researches, the hormone serotonin plays an important part in regulating aggressive behavior for animals and people. Thus the lower level of serotonin, the more are the chances that an individual will show hostility or act in aggressive and anxious manner. The high level of serotonin will contribute to feelings of happiness, emotional gratification and be an effective stress killer.

The genetic study of Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Program aimed to find scientific proof to the link between alterations in the serotonin receptor 2C gene and aggressive behavior.

The research took place in Behavioral Physiology Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, where 550 women of European origin were tested to find genetic evidence for aggression. The scientific study included genetic analysis together with two psychological tests on anger and aggression. It showed that those women who had one or both variation in serotonin receptor 2C gene also show a low level of aggression on test results.

This discovery presents an increased interest not only for psychologists, but also for those doctors who deal with diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and glucose metabolism. These conditions are known to have a relation with aggressive feelings. The close association of genetic marker makes it easier to foresee the signs of hypertension or other related diseases.

The results will be discussed by scientists of University of Pittsburgh at American Psychosomatic Society's Annual Meeting in Budapest.