Extrovert V. Introvert
For ages, people have praised the qualities of outgoing, take-charge extroverts. These folks are natural leaders, decision-makers, and socialites. Introverts, often seen as laid-back or even shy, have qualities that may not be so apparent to the eye. Precision, loyalty, and depth are their strengths. Both extroverts and introverts are hardwired for their temperaments, and certain neurotransmitters in the brain are more active or pleasurable for each group. Of course there are exceptions to the personality types. That is why there are two general terms. People fall within the continuum. Extreme extroverts are not the norm, and neither are extreme introverts. Extroversion and introversion are both controlled by neurotransmitters in the brain, and through these neurotransmitters, the two groups either gain their energy or pleasure from the outside world, or from within.
Extroversion
Extroverts tend to love the limelight: they are born performers. Their brain chemistry makes them forthcoming, open, and energetic. Extroverts tend to want to be on the go. They thrive on activities, both physical and mental. The key to extroverts is that they gain their energy from the outside world. Things outside of these people stimulate them, or energize them. This includes other people and outside, exciting activities. Extroverts become more energetic or charged up by social events and large group activities. They enjoy being busy and surrounded by people.
Extroverts are driven by the neurotransmitter dopamine. They seem to have a higher tolerance to this, and so they need higher amounts in order to feel good, or energized. Dopamine levels are raised by exciting activities such as amusement park rides, sky diving, public performing, and by certain drugs such as cocaine.
Extroverts also appear to have a shorter pathway in the brain for neurotransmitters to send messages from the original stimulus (arriving from the spinal cord) to the actual reaction to the stimulus. This explains extroverts' quick, easy conversations, reactions, and decision-making.
Introversion
Introverts are often misunderstood. They can appear to be shy and aloof, or calm, or even unfeeling. In actuality, introverts are driven and energized by their own inside equilibrium. They are the calm, collected group. Introverts work within their minds and excel at such tasks as writing, composing, engineering, and researching, and in disciplines such as design, diagnostic imaging, psychiatry, and radiology. Introverts feel the most energized and complete when they are peacefully thinking or working in their minds, or by being calmly stimulated by the outside world. Large, loud parties, thrill-seeking, and too many people drain introverts.
Introverts have reactions to two neurotransmitters. They have a low tolerance to dopamine, the thrill-seeking neurotransmitter. Essentially, introverts need way less of this than do extroverts, and too much dopamine makes them anxious and eventually drained. For introverts, outside stimulation which increases dopamine levels is much like being tickled: not so bad at first, but it can escalate and become very stressful and uncomfortable. Introverts prefer the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which produces a feeling of calm and wellbeing. This neurotransmitter is raised during calm, reflective activities like reading or drawing.
Introverts have a longer brain pathway from initial stimulus to the brain's reaction to the stimulus. Perhaps this is why introverts are "slower" in their talking, walking, thinking, and socializing. What's the rush? For further reference: The Introvert Advantage by Dr. Marti Olsen Laney (Workman Publishing, 2002.)
***For related neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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