The overall effect of task was associated with left and right amygdala reactivity, consistent with a recent metaanalysis (44). However, the emotional neglect and mineralocorticoid receptor genotype findings were lateralized to the right. Evidence suggests that the right amygdala subserves quick and perhaps automatic stimulus detection while the left amygdala provides a more sustained evaluative response (44). This interpretation is consistent with the role of the mineralocorticoid receptor in the initiation of stress response as well as the heightened HPA axis activation conferred by the val allele and observed in individuals with a history of childhood emotional neglect. Accordingly, early emotional neglect and mineralocorticoid receptor genotype may influence the initial phase of threat detection, which may lead to exaggerated responsiveness to mildly threatening and even neutral or positive events.
