Dysfunction in the neural circuitry of emotion regulation - A possible prelude to violence

Emotion is normally regulated in the human brain by a complex circuit consi sting of the orbital frontal cortex, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, a nd several other interconnected regions. There are both genetic and environ mental contributions to the structure and function of this circuitry. We po sit that impulsive aggression and violence arise as a consequence of faulty emotion regulation. Indeed, the prefrontal cortex receives a major seroton ergic projection, which is dysfunctional in individuals who show impulsive violence. Individuals vulnerable to faulty regulation of negative emotion a re at risk for violence and aggression. Research on the neural circuitry of emotion regulation suggests new avenues of intervention for such at-risk p opulations.