(BST) Biology of Emotions

neural circuits (func)

generate emotions

Decision making depends on: (4)

sensory input, memory, emotional state, reward prediction

The brain constantly balances: (3)

logic, emotion, survival instincts

Limbic System

a complex system of nerves and networks within the brain concerned with instinct and mood (AKA: “Emotional Brain”)

Parts of the Limbic System (4)

Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, Amygdala

Thalamus

relays sensory information

(recieves and filters sensory informaiton, determining which ones should go where/importance)

Hypothalamus

hormone production, stress response (triggers emotions/behaviors), hunger

Hippocampus

memory formation and retrieval

Amygdala

processing of anxiety, fear, anger, and formaiton/retrieval of emotional memory

Amygdala vs. Prefrontal Cortex

A: process fear, anxiety, and anger (the impulsive, fast, emotional, and survival-based actions)

PFC: evaluates consequences, controls impulses, suppresses emotion (the rational, slow, and future-oriented decisions and actions)

**Healthy behavior requires a balance of these two

Mesolimbic pathway

the dopamine pathway used when one “feels good”

Reward circuts/motivation

the body remembers what actions activatethe mesolimbic pathway, therefore being motivated to recreate that signal for a “reward”

examples of dopamine risers

eating tasty food, having social interactions, taking drugs, adrenaline-high activities, sex

Cortisol (definition, origin, function, routine)

• The body’s main stress hormone in response to a stress trigger

• made in the adrenal glans

• When responding to stress it: provides energy and motivation, maintains blood sugar, copes with short-term stress, and keeps body anti-inflammatory

• naturally rises in the morning, falls at night

Too high levels of cortisol can damage:

prefrontal cortex, working memory, impuls control

What stress strengthens + consequenses

amygdala, habit circuits (automatic routines)

—> leading to: impulsive choices, emotional reactions, poor long-term planning

Why adolecents have more risk-taking behaviors + consequenses

the prefrontal cortex is undeveloped, amygdala is fully developed, reward system + mesolimbic pathway are highly sensitive

—> leading to: impulsiviy, sensation-seeking, emotional intensity