title: Neuromodulation, Emotional Feelings and Affective Disorders.
abstract: Affective disorders such as anxiety, phobia and depression are a leading cause of disabilities worldwide. Monoamine neuromodulators are used to treat most of them, with variable degrees of efficacy. Here, we review and interpret experimental findings about the relation of neuromodulation and emotional feelings, in pursuit of two goals: (a) to improve the conceptualisation of affective/emotional states, and (b) to develop a descriptive model of basic emotional feelings related to the actions of neuromodulators. In this model, we hypothesize that specific neuromodulators are effective for basic emotions. The model can be helpful for mental health professionals to better understand the affective dynamics of persons and the actions of neuromodulators - and respective psychoactive drugs - on this dynamics.
authors.affiliation: Professor of Psychology, Director of the Institute of Emotional Psychology, Nanjing University of Traditional Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Qixia district, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China 210023. E-mail: Fushun_wang@urmc.rochester.edu.
authors.forename: Fushun
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Adjunct Professor, Department of Education, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus of Rubião Jr, 18618-970 - Botucatu - São Paulo - Brasil.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pereira
keywords: Affective Disorders; Emotions; Feelings; Monoamines; Neuromodulators