The cerebellum on the rise in human emotion

Abstract

For decennia the cerebellum has largely been excluded from scientific enquiry beyond motor function. However, the intimate afferent and efferent connections to the midbrain and limbic system provide for the neuroanatomical foundation of cerebellar involvement in emotion and emotional disorders. Moreover, an increasing body of empirical evidence indicates that the cerebellum may be involved in emotion regulation. Both functional and structural abnormalities of the cerebellum have been demonstrated in emotional disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. Research shows that the functional repertoire of the cerebellum is broader than previously thought and its involvement in emotion is noteworthy.