Amygdala

The amygdala is a brain region located in the temporal lobe of the brain that plays a key role in emotional processing, memory formation and decision making. It is involved in the regulation of fear and anxiety, as well as triggering alarm responses such as the fight-or-flight reaction in response to danger. Research suggests the amygdala is also involved in other emotional states, such as love and joy. Its role in emotional processing allows it to influence our behavior as well as influence our capacity for learning, memory and impulse control. As a result, amygdala dysfunction and dysregulation has been implicated in a range of disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. Understanding the functions of the amygdala can therefore help in the development of tailored treatments for these conditions.