A new study suggests there are certain brain regions amplified in teens that are just too aggressive.

The human brain has an emotional-regulation network that controls emotions and influences decision making. There's probably an imbalance in this network if a person is antisocial and risk-seeking, said Sam Dewitt, one of the researchers.

Like Us on Facebook

Researchers used a functional MRI (fMRI) to test the risk-taking behaviors of 36 adolescents, 12 to 18 years old.

These teens were tested on drug and alcohol use, sexual promiscuity and physical violence capabilities.

Researchers found out that teens who were risk-takers tend to have low brain and emotional-regulation communication.

Sina Aslan from the University of Texas said most fMRI scans of the brain during a mind-wandering state can be considered valuable.

Aslan said brain regions associated with emotions and rewards show increased connection even when they are not explicitly engaged.

Risk taking teens exhibit hyperconnectivity between the amygdala and specific areas of the prefrontal cortex, researchers said.

The amygdala is the part of the brain one responsible for emotional reactivity. The prefrontal cortex is associated with emotion regulation and critical thinking.

There is also increased activity between the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, the center for reward sensitivity often implicated in addiction research.

Dewitt believes their findings are crucial in identifying potential brain biomarkers on behavioral differences.

The findings may also help identify adolescents at risk for dangerous and pathological behaviors, he added.

Dewitt also clarifies that even though the risk taking group did partake in dangerous behavior, it doesn't mean they have behavioral disorders.

Researchers hope their study can help risk-seeking teenagers regulate emotions to avoid risk-taking behaviors and substance abuse.