The amygdala, within the temporal lobe of the brain, is perhaps the best understood cerebral region that plays a critical role in the expression of emotions and the learning of new emotional responses. In addition to its role in normal emotional life, much evidence suggests that human anxiety and fear related disorders, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Phobia, and Panic Disorder, result from anomalies in amygdala function. Notably, appetitive behaviors rely on the amygdala as well, and drug and alcohol addiction may also result from amygdala dysfunction.

During the 2011 Gordon Research Conference on the Amygdala in Health and Disease, internationally renowned basic and clinical researchers will present their latest findings on the amygdala, its function and mechanisms, from molecular to cellular, circuit to behavior. During this conference, we will focus on research investigating the role of the amygdala in the formation, consolidation, reconsolidation, and extinction of emotional memories, both normal and pathological. We will also consider the role of amygdalo-prefrontal and amygdalo-hippocampal interactions in the formation and extinction of aversive and appetitive memories. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides an avenue for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations in the various research areas represented.