Elsevier

Neuroscience Research

Volume 75, Issue 4, April 2013, Pages 269-274
Neuroscience Research

Molecular neuroimaging of emotional decision-making

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neures.2013.01.011Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Abstract

With the dissemination of non-invasive human neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and the advancement of cognitive science, neuroimaging studies focusing on emotions and social cognition have become established. Along with this advancement, behavioral economics taking emotional and social factors into account for economic decisions has been merged with neuroscientific studies, and this interdisciplinary approach is called neuroeconomics. Past neuroeconomics studies have demonstrated that subcortical emotion-related brain structures play an important role in “irrational” decision-making. The research field that investigates the role of central neurotransmitters in this process is worthy of further development. Here, we provide an overview of recent molecular neuroimaging studies to further the understanding of the neurochemical basis of “irrational” or emotional decision-making and the future direction, including clinical implications, of the field.

Highlights

► Neuroeconomics have demonstratedtheneural basis of emotional decision-making. ► The role of modulatory neurotransmission in this process is poorly understood. ► An overview of recent molecular neuroimagingof the field is presented. ► Our interdisciplinaryapproachis expected toadvance neuroeconomics research. ► This approach will also provide new perspectives in neuropsychiatry.

Keywords

Emotion
Decision-making
Neuroimaging
Molecular imaging
Monoamine
Psychiatry

Cited by (0)