The U.S. researchers said they were able to find the genetic basis of this phenomenon.
Their work was published by the Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry journal.
The press release of the University of South Florida states that the scientists have identified a gene responsible for the elevated levels of neurotransmitters in the female brain. The authors of the study named it “the first gene of female happiness.”
It is called “encoding protein of monoamine oxidase A” (MAO-A). In the brain tissue, the gene splits neurotransmitters and monoamines (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine), called the “pleasure hormones”.
The researchers studied the DNA of 193 women and 152 men. It was found that the women with less active MAO-A genes felt the happiest. If the body had two copies of the gene, they reinforced the sense of happiness. It turned out that in men happiness was not associated with the activity of the gene. According to the researchers, the positive effect of MAO-A in men is blocked by testosterone.
According to the head of the research team, Professor Henian Chen of the University of South Florida, studying of the genetic nature of human mind conditions, such as a feeling of good cheer, happiness and harmony, needs to be continued. In his opinion, these data can help to understand the mechanisms of various mental disorders.