eurobiology of emotions

Abstract

The article reviews some general concepts on the biological mechanisms of emotional expression. The focus is to discuss the potential relevance of these information for the clinical practice. The hypothesis that innate and genetically controlled behaviors strongly interact with social, cultural, and familiar factors in the genesis of mood and anxiety disorders is discussed based on data from studies involving animal models and functional neuroimaging techniques. Although not directly discussed, the article points out to the importance of psychodynamic and sociological determinants of human behavior.