The Orbitofrontal Cortex: The Base of Our Social Behavior
The orbitofrontal cortex is one of the most interesting parts of the brain. It’s related to our personality, our emotions, and, most importantly, our social behavior. The information we’ve gotten about this area is very revealing and would explain many things related to human behavior. However, there are still many other things to learn about it.
I’m sure many people reading this right now know about with the curious case of Phineas Gage. This railway machinist suffered a violent accident in 1848, which led to very curious results. After an explosion, an iron bar dipped into his skull. The incision pierced through his orbitofrontal cortex and, even though Gage never lost consciousness and people described his story as a medical miracle, it’s safe to say he was never the same after that.
This case was very valuable to neuroscience because it showed how important this area of the brain really is. After the accident, Phineas Gage became shameless, impulsive, irresponsible, and even aggressive. His interpersonal relationships were affected, he lost his job, and he even joined a circus for a while. He died a few years later due to all of the severe epileptic seizures he suffered.
Antonio Damasio, a well-known neurologist, is one of the scientists that has studied this case the most. He concluded that the orbitofrontal cortex is very much related to our emotions and decision-making process.
Where is the orbitofrontal cortex located?
Just as its name suggests, the orbitofrontal cortex is located in the front part of the brain. It’s right above our eye sockets and it’s directly connected to the sensorial areas and the structures of the limbic system that are linked to emotion and memory.
Functions of the orbitofrontal cortex
Most of the characteristics we already know about the orbitofrontal cortex are basically the conclusions of studies of different patients who suffered brain damage or any other injuries in this region of the brain. Phineas Gage’s case was definitely the most relevant one. Over time, neurologists have tried to unravel the great mysteries of the human brain. It’s safe to say that there are still many unanswered questions regarding this.
Let’s look into some of the functions located in the orbitofrontal cortex:
The processing of social emotions
- Paul D. MacLean, a known physiologist and neurologist from the twentieth century, talked about the existent correlation between the orbitofrontal cortex and emotions. Let’s not forget that this area is also linked to the limbic system and the amygdala. Now, the particularity of this area is that it articulates the emotions related to social behavior: aggressiveness, lack of respect, interacting with others adequately, etc.
- This structure also harbors a “surveillance system”. What this means is that, thanks to it, we can adapt and behave according to the context we’re in and are able to control our basic impulses.
The reward system
- The orbitofrontal cortex is also related to our behaviors as a response to the rewards or punishments we receive.
- Researchers have noticed that patients with injuries in this area could stop being sensitive to punishments. They don’t care about the consequences of their actions. However, they have an obsession with rewards. If they don’t get their reward, they become aggressive, impulsive, and frustrated.
All this hinders a balanced and harmonious coexistence in a social environment.
Decision-making
Apart from those processes related to behavior and emotions, this area of the frontal cortex is extremely associated with the decision-making process.
- Several studies show that our motivation when wanting to take the initiative to do something is located there. People who have injured their orbitofrontal cortex could show apathy, inhibition, or even mutism when it comes to making decisions.
- When needing to taking action in order to solve a problem, they won’t be able to tell which option is the safest, the most prudent, and the most adapted to their social context. In fact, it’s common for them to make a decision that makes them go back to the problem.
These are very interesting behaviors, but also very exhausting for the person and their environment.
Damages in the orbitofrontal cortex
There are a few neuropsychological tests that evaluate if a patient’s orbitofrontal cortex is damaged. Visual discrimination tests or the Faux Pas test are very useful when wanting to evaluate the incidence of any alteration in this area.
People with a trauma in this area or with an acquired brain damage usually show the following psychological profile:
- Rude speech.
- Problems in social interaction due to their lack of empathy.
- Hypersexuality.
- Substance abuse.
- Criminal behavior: robbery, assault, aggression, etc.
Treatment for these patients tends to be quite complex. It’s common for them to stay in a mental health institute when referred by court orders. In general, they get psychological and pharmacological treatment, depending on their individual needs and requirements. This is a very delicate reality that we learn more about every day.
