Neurophysiological and Neurobiological Basis of Emotions and Mood

Abstract

Emotions and mood are complex psychic phenomena that play important roles in everyday behavior. No anatomical structure can be identified as a specific brain center for emotions, and a neurophysiological basis of emotions is unclear and hard to define. Today, it is thought that neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine have important roles in mood regulation, and much of the evidence for this assumption is based on the effectiveness of antidepressant medications currently available in psychiatric practice. James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, and Schachter's and other theories historically tried to explain the origin and formation of emotional responses. Despite extensive research efforts on this topic, many aspects regarding the nature of emotional responses remain unclear. Multidisciplinary approach, including the adequate cooperation of psychiatrists, neurophysiologists, and experts from other areas, is needed to provide us with a more comprehensive insight on biological basis of conative psychic functions.