The decisions people make at every moment of their lives shape their future lives. Sometimes these decisions are the result of conscious and logical thoughts, sometimes they are made instinctively, without realising it. However, how much do we know about the neurological mechanisms behind our decisions? What effect does the brain have on decision-making and why can disturbances in this process lead us to make wrong decisions? In this article, we will discuss the effect of brain functions on decision-making processes and how neurological problems that may be encountered in this process can lead to wrong decisions.

Prefrontal Cortex The Centre of Decision Making

The region of the brain most responsible for decision-making is known as the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is located in the front part of the brain and plays a critical role in the management of complex cognitive functions. This region is responsible for abilities such as regulating social behaviour, problem solving, planning for the future and risk assessment. The prefrontal cortex enables the individual to make rational decisions by evaluating both short-term and long-term consequences.

Considering that the prefrontal cortex plays such an important role, it is not difficult to understand that any damage or disturbance that may occur here can deeply affect decision-making processes. Dysfunctions in this region can weaken an individual's ability to think logically, causing them to make wrong or risky decisions.

Prefrontal Cortex and Diseases

Damage to the prefrontal cortex can be caused by traumatic brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders and some genetic factors. Such diseases can affect an individual's thinking processes, emotional reactions and social behaviour.

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most common causes of damage to the prefrontal cortex. When the prefrontal cortex is damaged as a result of an accident, fall or impact, the individual may experience sudden personality changes, impaired thinking processes and increased risky behaviours. Individuals with TBI may make mistakes in their daily lives that they have never made before, which may have long-term social and economic consequences.

2. Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease cause damage to various parts of the brain, leading to impaired cognitive functions. If the prefrontal cortex is affected by this process, an individual's judgement can be severely impaired. These individuals may have difficulty in making even simple decisions and may react inappropriately in social environments.

3. Psychiatric Disorders

Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can also impair individuals' decision-making processes by affecting the prefrontal cortex. For example, a person with bipolar disorder may make extremely risky and irrational decisions during a manic episode. Similarly, OCD patients may have difficulty making rational decisions due to obsessive thoughts.

The Role of Emotional and Social Factors in Decision Making

In addition to the prefrontal cortex, the limbic system also plays an important role in the decision-making process. The limbic system is the emotional centre of the brain and works together with the prefrontal cortex to evaluate the emotional aspects of decisions. For example, how emotionally satisfying a decision will be is assessed by the limbic system and this information is processed by the prefrontal cortex.

However, in cases where the limbic system is dominant, individuals may make decisions based on their emotional reactions and this may lead to irrational results. In particular, conditions such as depression or anxiety can impair the functioning of the limbic system and negatively affect decision-making processes. This can lead the individual to make wrong or self-destructive decisions.

Brain Disorders and Consequences of Wrong Decisions

The consequences of wrong decisions made due to brain diseases and dysfunctions can seriously affect the quality of life of the individual. For example, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, it becomes more difficult for an individual to lead an independent life, and wrong decisions can jeopardise both their own life and the lives of those around them.

Similarly, in conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, poor judgement can lead to the breakdown of social relationships, financial losses and compromised personal safety. In such cases, early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance.