PSYC 3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Alexithymia, Derealization, Supplementary Motor Area
16 Jul 2020
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Document Summary
Increased blood flow to the cerebellum (back of the head) and supplementary motor cortex- responsible for physiological, automatic responses. Decreases flow to insula and prefrontal cortex- responsible for higher levels of processing and critical thought. Involved in complex thought processes, impulsivity, personality, and emotions. Less activity was related to more severe symptoms. Results in alexithymia (difficulty identifying and labeling emotional states) Filters incoming stimuli for danger and alerts body to threats, activates systems required to leave or avoid danger. Decreased amygdala volumes in patients with ptsd. Another purpose of the prefrontal cortex is to inhibit the amygdala: Decreased prefrontal cortex activity may lead to the hyperactivity of the amygdala. Necessary for memory formation and emotional regulation. Shows decreased function in patients with ptsd. Decreased hippocampal volumes are related to severity of symptoms. Chronic high levels of cortisol associated with damaged neurons in hippocampus.
