On the role of amygdala pathology in affect regulation in psychiatric disorders

The omygdala plays a central role in the normal and pathological regulation of emotions. In a first section of this paper we summarise the present knowledge of the neuroanatomy and pathophysiology of the amygdala. We then analyse the neuropsychiatric consequences of amygdala lesions in animal models and in humans. Following this we present the latest neuroimaging findings related to amygdala dysfunction in impulsive and emotional-instable syndromes. Summorising the findings we try to develop a model of the role of the amygdala in general affect regulation.