The transition from normal to chronic pain is believed to involve alterations in several brain
areas that participate in the perception of pain. These plastic changes are then responsible …

The insular cortex, or “Island of Reil,” is hidden deep within the lateral sulcus of the brain.
Subdivisions within the insula have been identified on the basis of cytoarchitectonics, sulcal …

The inadequacy of a categorial approach to mental health diagnosis is now well-recognised,
with many authors, diagnostic manuals and funding bodies advocating a dimensional, trans …

The brain is constantly bombarded by stimuli, and the relative salience of these inputs
determines which are more likely to capture attention. A brain system known as the'salience …

Placebo effects are beneficial effects that are attributable to the brain–mind responses to the
context in which a treatment is delivered rather than to the specific actions of the drug. They …

Allodynia (pain due to a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain) and hyperalgesia
(increased pain from a stimulus that usually provokes pain) are prominent symptoms in …

Feelings are mental experiences of body states. They signify physiological need (for
example, hunger), tissue injury (for example, pain), optimal function (for example, well …

Researchers have wondered how the brain creates emotions since the early days of
psychological science. With a surge of studies in affective neuroscience in recent decades …

This paper reviews the foundation for a role of the human anterior insular cortex (AIC) in
emotional awareness, defined as the conscious experience of emotions. We first introduce …

The anterior insular cortex (AIC) is implicated in a wide range of conditions and behaviours,
from bowel distension and orgasm, to cigarette craving and maternal love, to decision …