Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Changes in mood and personality are often linked to alterations in which part of the brain?

1. Occipital lobe

2. Temporal lobe

3. Frontal lobe

4. Parietal lobe

The correct answer is: Frontal lobe

Changes in mood and personality are primarily associated with alterations in the frontal lobe of the brain. The frontal lobe is responsible for a variety of high-level cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. It plays a critical role in personality expression and social behavior, and its health is vital for the manifestation of appropriate emotional responses. When the frontal lobe is damaged or experiences dysfunction, individuals may exhibit changes in their mood, such as increased irritability or apathy, and alterations in their personality traits, leading to difficulties in social interactions and overall behavioral control. This aspect is prevalent in conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases. In contrast, while the other lobes have distinct functions—such as visual processing in the occipital lobe, auditory processing and memory in the temporal lobe, and sensory integration in the parietal lobe—these areas are not primarily responsible for mood and personality changes. Therefore, the frontal lobe's direct involvement in emotional and social regulation makes it the correct choice for understanding alterations in mood and personality.