Amygdala and Hypothalamus: Historical Overview With Focus on Aggression. Issue 1 (23rd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gouveia, Flavia Venetucci; Hamani, Clement; Fonoff, Erich Talamoni; Brentani, Helena; Alho, Eduardo Joaquim Lopes; de Morais, Rosa Magaly Campêlo Borba; de Souza, Aline Luz; Rigonatti, Sérgio Paulo; Martinez, Raquel C R
• Is Part Of: Neurosurgery. Volume 85:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2019-01-23
• Subjects: Aggression -- Amygdala -- Deep brain simulation -- Hypothalamus -- Stereotactic neurosurgery -- Review; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.48005
• DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy635
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-396X

Abstract

Abstract: Aggressiveness has a high prevalence in psychiatric patients and is a major health problem. Two brain areas involved in the neural network of aggressive behavior are the amygdala and the hypothalamus. While pharmacological treatments are effective in most patients, some do not properly respond to conventional therapies and are considered medically refractory. In this population, surgical procedures (ie, stereotactic lesions and deep brain stimulation) have been performed in an attempt to improve symptomatology and quality of life. Clinical results obtained after surgery are difficult to interpret, and the mechanisms responsible for postoperative reductions in aggressive behavior are unknown. We review the rationale and neurobiological characteristics that may help to explain why functional neurosurgery has been proposed to control aggressive behavior.