*LeDoux's Theory, Neurotransmitters, and Hemispheric Emotional Processing

LeDoux's Theory: Emotional Processing

• Two Pathways:- Low Road (Fast, Unconscious): Thalamus $\to$ Amygdala. Rapid, automatic, outside awareness (Somatic theory).

  • High Road (Slow, Conscious): Thalamus $\to$ Cortex $\to$ Amygdala. Slower, deliberate, conscious thought (Cannon-Bard theory).

Neurotransmitters in Emotional Responses

• Mnemonic: Don’t Stress Nervously, Get Enough Good (Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, GABA, Glutamate, Endorphins).

• Dopamine: Reward, pleasure, motivation.

• Serotonin: Mood regulation.

• Norepinephrine: Arousal, alertness, stress response.

• GABA: Inhibitory, calming.

• Glutamate: Excitatory, involved in emotional learning (fear conditioning).

• Endorphins: Pain reduction, euphoria.

Hemispheric Specialization for Emotions

• Right Hemisphere:- Dominant for negative emotions.

  • Processes emotional facial expressions and tone.

  • Damage impairs recognition of emotions in others, especially negative ones.

• Left Hemisphere:- More active for positive emotions.

  • Involved in language, labeling, and analyzing emotions.

  • Damage can lead to depression (loss of positivity).