Aggression-related brain function assessed with the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm in fMRI

The Point Subtraction AggressionParadigm (PSAP) measures aggressivebehavior in response to provocations. The aim of the study was to implement the PSAP in a functional neuroimagingenvironment (fMRI) and evaluate aggression-related brain reactivity including response to provocations and associations with aggressionwithin the paradigm. Twenty healthy participants completed two 12-min PSAP sessions within the scanner. We evaluated brain responses to aggressivebehavior (removing points from an opponent), provocations (point subtractions by the opponent), and winning points. Our results showed significant ventral and dorsal striatal reactivity when participants won a point and removed one from the opponent. Provocations significantly activated the amygdala, dorsal striatum, insula, and prefrontal areas. Task-related aggressivebehavior was positively correlated with neural reactivity to provocations in the insula, the dorsal striatum, and prefrontal areas. Our findings suggest the PSAP within an fMRI environment may be a useful tool for probing aggression-related neural pathways. Activity in the amygdala, dorsal striatum, insula, and prefrontal areas during provocations is consistent with the involvement of these brain regions in emotional and impulsive behavior. Striatal reactivity may suggest an involvement of reward during winning and stealing points.