Differential brain activation to angry faces by elite warfighters: neural processing evidence for enhanced threat detection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Little is known about the neural basis of elite performers and their optimal performance in extreme environments. The purpose of this study was to examine brain processing differences between elite warfighters and comparison subjects in brain structures that are important for emotion processing and interoception.

Methodology/principal findings

Navy Sea, Air, and Land Forces (SEALs) while off duty (n = 11) were compared with n = 23 healthy male volunteers while performing a simple emotion face-processing task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Irrespective of the target emotion, elite warfighters relative to comparison subjects showed relatively greater right-sided insula, but attenuated left-sided insula, activation. Navy SEALs showed selectively greate

SUBMITTER: Paulus MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2854680 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature