Amygdala dysfunction

Question 1

Why is the amygdala important?

Answer 1

Central role in regulating behaviours impaired by ASB

Question 2

How is the amygdala different in those with ASB?

Answer 2

Larger in toddlers, but as they age it doesn’t grow, larger the amygdala the greater the integration and cooperation with others, increased social network

Question 3

What happens with a larger amygdala?

Answer 3

larger the amygdala the greater the integration and cooperation with others, increased social network, more able to make social judgements

Question 4

What did Nordhal et al find?

Answer 4

From 2 years larger than normal growth volume about 6-9%, should only increase with age only when older, growth occurs earlier

Question 5

What did Baron Cohen find?

Answer 5

Major cause in main social and behavioural deficits found in ASB, have difficulty in understanding expression of emotion

Question 6

What did Baron cohen et al find?

Answer 6

Given photos of eyes with two words underneath, required to choose the best word to describe the expression, Those with ASB performed worse and showed the amygdala was not active

Question 7

What system is the amygdala a part of?

Answer 7

The limbic system which supports long term memory and motivations

Question 8

What did Howard et al find?

Answer 8

Increased amygdala volume in adults with ASB, contradicts nordhal

Question 9

What did Pierce et al find?

Answer 9

Low amygdala volume in adults with ASB, inconsistent findings not reliable

Question 10

What is a weakness of amygdala dysfunction?

Answer 10

Unable to offer an appropriate explanation for all characteristics, can explain issues with social communication and maintaining friendships but not with repetitive behaviours, limited not a complete explanation