Brain Chemistry Test

The IDRlabs Brain Chemistry Test (IDR-BCT) is based on the work of Helen Fisher, Ph.D. and the replication of her theories using fMRI brain scans. The IDR-BCT is not associated with Fisher or any other scientists who have conducted alternate experiments in this field.

According to Fisher’s theory, the four chemicals can be linked to emergent personality as follows: Dopamine – The brain’s dopamine (and related norepinephrine) system is responsible for traits such as curiosity, creativity, mental flexibility, and the tendency to be energetic. Those with high levels of dopamine are industrious, with a high activity level, and tend to experience more positive emotion and excitement in their lives. People high in dopamine usually prefer partners who are also high in dopamine. Serotonin – The traits associated with serotonin include sociability, caution, harm avoidance, less anxiety, and more close friends. Elevated serotonin levels are also linked to the propensity to follow rules and plan ahead, as well as orderliness, adherence to plans, self-control, and precision. Finally, people high in serotonin are methodical and tend to trust and follow the habits they have developed for themselves. People high in serotonin usually prefer partners who are also high in serotonin. Testosterone – Testosterone is linked with enhanced visual-spatial perception and a keen understanding of rule-based systems, such as mechanics, computers, math, engineering, or music. Those with high testosterone levels are also competitive, self-confident, forthright, assertive, and more emotionally contained than others. People high in testosterone usually prefer partners who are high in estrogen. Estrogen – The brain’s estrogen (and related oxytocin) system is responsible for contextual and holistic thinking, as well as linguistic skills, agreeableness, cooperation, empathy, kindness, and the tendency to be prosocial. High estrogen levels have also been linked to generosity and trust, heightened perception of emotions, and a keen imagination. People high in estrogen usually prefer partners who are high in testosterone.

For more information on Fisher’s theory, see: Aron A, Fisher H, Mashek DJ, Strong G, Li H, et al. (2005) Reward, motivation, and emotion systems associated with early-stage intense romantic love. Journal of Neurophysiology 94: 327–337; Brown LL, Acevedo B, Fisher HE (2013). Neural Correlates of Four Broad Temperament Dimensions: Testing Predictions for a Novel Construct of Personality. PLoS ONE 8(11): e78734; Fisher H (2009) Why Him? Why Her? New York: Henry Holt and Company; Fisher H, Brown LL, Aron A, Strong G, Mashek D (2010) Reward, addiction, and emotion regulation systems associated with rejection in love. Journal of Neurophysiology 104: 51–60.

The authors of this free online Brain Chemistry Quiz are certified in the use of numerous personality tests and have worked professionally with psychometrics and personality testing. Prior to using our free Brain Chemistry Test, please note that this test should not be confused with official trademarked tests. Please also note that the test is provided "as-is", for free, and should not be construed as providing professional or certified advice of any kind. For more, please consult our Terms of Service.