title: A neural circuit framework for somatosensory amplification in somatoform disorders.
abstract: Although somatosensory amplification is theorized to serve a critical role in somatization, it remains poorly understood neurobiologically. In this perspective article, convergent visceral-somatic processing is highlighted, and neuroimaging studies in somatoform disorders are reviewed. Neural correlates of cognitive-affective amplifiers are integrated into a neurocircuit framework for somatosensory amplification. The anterior cingulate cortex, insula, amygdala, hippocampal formation, and striatum are some of the identified regions. Clinical symptomatology in a given patient or group may represent dysfunction in one or more of these neurobehavioral nodes. Somatosensory amplification may, in part, develop through stress-mediated aberrant neuroplastic changes and the neuromodulatory effects of inflammation.
authors.affiliation: From the Dept. of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA (DLP, AJB, DRV, GB, DAS);. Dept. of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA (DLP); Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA (DLP, DRV DAS); Dept. of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (DLP); and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (DLP, AJB, DRV, GB, DAS).
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Arthur J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Barsky
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Vago
authors.forename: Gaston
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Baslet
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Silbersweig
mesh_terms: D001931:Brain Mapping; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000473:pathology*; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000473:pathology*