Journal

The Japanese journal of neuropsychology

[Vol.22 No.1 contents]
Japanese/English

Full Text of this Article
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ArticleTitle Social cognition and decision making in neuropsychiatric disorders
Language J
AuthorList Toshiya Murai, M. D.
Affiliation Department of Neuropsychiatry Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
Publication Japanese Journal of Neuropsychology: 22 (1), 36-42, 2006
Received
Accepted
Abstract Adequate decoding of social stimuli and subsequent decision making are essential for successful social interaction, and abnormality of these processes is a central feature of many neuropsychiatric disorders. As for the neural substrates of emotional cognition, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that the intact amygdala is essential for recognizing fear-related stimuli. On the other hand, normal decision making, especially when it is socially and personally relevant, requires an integrity of orbital and medial prefrontal region. Traumatic injury in these areas causes a long-lasting difficulty in social life for the suffered. An even more devastating pattern of abnormal decision making is observed among those with conduct disorder and with antisocial personality disorder. Abnomal development of ventromedial prefrontal cortex is suspected to be a neural basis of their destructive behaviours.
Keywords social cognition, amygdala, frontal lobe, decision making, gambling task

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