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Affective self-report during the intracarotid sodium amobarbital test
G L Ahern1, A M Herring, J N Tackenberg
1Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724.
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Patients undergoing the intracarotid sodium amobarbital test reported more negative moods when the left brain hemisphere was inactivated. The right hemisphere
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Understanding the neural basis of emotion is crucial for diagnosing and treating affective disorders.
- Hemispheric lateralization of brain function is well-established, but its role in emotional processing requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cerebral hemispheres in the experience of internal affective state.
- To examine how unilateral brain inactivation affects mood perception.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the intracarotid sodium amobarbital test (Wada test) to temporarily inactivate individual cerebral hemispheres.
- Assessed changes in self-reported mood state before and after inactivation of the left and right hemispheres.
Main Results:
- Inactivation of the left hemisphere led to a significant increase in negative mood ratings compared to baseline.
- Inactivation of the right hemisphere did not result in significant changes in affective state.
Conclusions:
- The left hemisphere plays a significant role in modulating negative affective experiences.
- Findings support a model of differential emotional lateralization, suggesting the right hemisphere's greater involvement in processing intense negative emotions.