Cool Headed or Short Fused? Blame it on your Genes!

"I am an angry person. I get angry at the spot of an irritating moment. I don't know why but I just can't control my temper!" "Oh yeah, but I am really cool-headed. I guess staying all calm and cool comes natural to me; I feel it is an essential part of my personality."

Which one of two expressions do you relate with; the grumpy angry nutcase or the chill pill cool head? At least I know I am one of those who get angry easily. That is more or less part of my personality or so I feel the aggressive trait of mine is purely the product of my flaming nature. The part of my nature I only try my best to control for if I don't, I will be blowing up on a lot of people almost every other day.

Anyways having said that, the new study has found that the genes we inherit determine whether we are the angry sort or the irritatingly calm beings. Scientists have found that isolating the gene for anger would help them explain why some fly into a rage at the slightest provocation.

In order to understand the dynamics, German researchers asked more than 800 people to fill in a survey form designed to gauge how they handled anger. They also took a DNA test to determine which of the 3 versions of a gene called DARPP-32 they were carrying.

This gene affects the levels of dopamine (a brain chemical linked to anger and aggression). It was known that those with the 'TT' or 'TC' versions were significantly angrier than those with the 'CC' version. The University of Bonn study also found that the angry fellas had less grey matter in the amygdala, a part of brain that keeps our emotions in check.

It is believed by researchers that at least one 'T' gene raises levels of Dopamine, leaving people on edge and vulnerable to lose their temper easily. Researcher Martin Reuter, a 'TC' himself said, "In other words, they are not able to control their feelings as well as those without the mutation. I am not an angry person but I can get angry if it is important."

The 'CC' people however find it easier to keep their cool. According to researchers, although higher degrees of anger are of low social desirability but a certain level of dominance related behavior helps to assert a position in a social hierarchy. However, they even cautioned that angry people cannot and should not lay all the blame for their bad behavior on DNA.

Genetics only account for half of our disposition towards anger. Also, DARPP-32 is just one of the several genes at play. Professor Reuter said, "You can modify your personality with the range given to you by nature. There are no excuses for your bad behavior."

Now, I have a feeling I am a 'TC' as I do not always angry but it is easy for me to get angry when so ever required but right, I am not blaming my genes. Still, just for some confirmation, I am thinking a DNA test! Ciao!