Brain Structures Of Risk-Takers Are Distinctly Different

There is an interesting part of your brain that simply cannot avoid taking risks.

A new study on brain structure showed that those who take risks have differently wired brains compared to others whose brains are conservative.

Yale University experts found that adventure seekers of stimulation do not have as much gray matter in brain regions involved in decision-making and self-control.

Lead researcher Avram Holmes explained that the latest study supports earlier studies that linked brain anatomy with "impulsivity, sensation-seeking behavior, and substance abuse."

"The findings allow us to have a better understanding of how normal variation in brain anatomy in the general population might bias both temperamental characteristics and health behaviors, including substance abuse," said Holmes, an assistant professor of psychology and psychiatry at Yale University.

Experts examined brain structure data from 1,234 participants aged between 18 and 35, none of whom showed any symptoms of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse.

They underwent various MRI brain scans and answered questionnaires that judged their impulsivity and quest for sensation. They also gave information about their alcohol, tobacco and caffeine consumption.

Participants reporting high impulsivity and sensation-seeking had thinner cortices or the gray wrinkly outer layers of the brain in regions linked to decision-making and self-control.

The cortical thickness was less in the anterior cingulate and middle frontal gyrus that was related to emotion and behavior regulation.

"Our tendency to engage in sensation-seeking and impulsive behaviors evolved as a function of their influence on survival and reproductive fitness. They are not simply synonymous with adverse outcomes. For instance, sensation seeking co-varies with social behavior, social support, physical activity, reproductive opportunities and environmental exploration. There is likely no universally optimal temperament," Holmes told Live Science.

Hence, differences in brain anatomy are not always linked with substance abuse.

The findings are published in the Journal of Neuroscience.