A model of neurovisceral integration in emotion regulation and dysregulation

In the present paper we present the outlines of a model that integrates aut onomic, attentional, and affective systems into a functional and structural network that may help to guide us in our understanding of emotion regulati on and dysregulation. We will emphasize the relationship between attentiona l regulation and affective processes and propose a group of underlying phys iological systems that serve to integrate these functions in the service of self-regulation and adaptability of the organism. We will attempt to place this network in the context of dynamical systems models which involve feed back and feedforward circuits with special attention to negative feedback m echanisms, inhibitory processes, and their role in response selection. From a systems perspective, inhibitory processes can be viewed as negative feed back circuits that allow for the interruption of ongoing behavior and the r e-deployment of resources to other tasks. When these negative feedback mech anisms are compromised, positive feedback loops may develop as a result (of dis-inhibition), From this perspective, the relative sympathetic activatio n seen in anxiety disorders may represent dis-inhibition due to faulty inhi bitory mechanisms. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.