The Key Role of the Amygdala in Stress

Abstract

Several data highlighted that stress exposure is strongly associated with several psychi- atric disorders. The amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional pro- cessing, has a pivotal role in psychiatric disorders and it has been demonstrated to be highly responsive to stressful events. Here we will review evidences indicating how the amygdala changes its functionality following exposure to stress and how this contributes to the onset of anxiety disorders.