An active inference perspective for the amygdala complex

Trends Cogn Sci. 2023 Dec 15:S1364-6613(23)00283-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.11.004. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe amygdala is a heterogeneous network of subcortical nuclei with central importance in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Various experimental designs in human psychology and animal model research have mapped multiple conceptual frameworks (e.g., valence/salience and decision making) to ever more refined amygdala circuitry. However, these predominantly bottom up-driven accounts often rely on interpretations tailored to a specific phenomenon, thus preventing comprehensive and integrative theories. We argue here that an active inference model of amygdala function could unify these fractionated approaches into an overarching framework for clearer empirical predictions and mechanistic interpretations. This framework embeds top-down predictive models, informed by prior knowledge and belief updating, within a dynamical system distributed across amygdala circuits in which self-regulation is implemented by continuously tracking environmental and homeostatic demands.PMID:38103984 | DOI:10.1016/j.tics.2023.11.004

Source: Trends Cogn Sci - December 16, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Ronald Sladky Dominic Kargl Wulf Haubensak Claus Lamm Source Type: research