The Cerebellum and Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

The cerebellum has been considered for a long time to play a role solely in motor coordination. However, studies over the past two decades have shown that the cerebellum also plays a key role in many motor, cognitive, and emotional processes. In addition, studies have also shown that the cerebellum is implicated in many psychiatric disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. In this review, we discuss existing studies reporting cerebellar dysfunction in various psychiatric disorders. We will also discuss future directions for studies linking the cerebellum to psychiatric disorders.

Co-altered functional networks and brain structure in unmedicated patients with bipolar and major depressive disorders

“…Simultaneous cerebellar and amygdala reduction in MDD was also reported in prior gray matter density studies (Lee et al 2011; Peng et al 2011). Recent studies have shown that the cerebellum plays a role in emotion regulation and cognition (Baldacara et al 2008; Bugalho et al 2006; Phillips et al 2015), and also have implicated the cerebellum in MDD based on findings of altered structure (Yucel et al 2013; Zhao et al 2016) and function (Liu et al 2012; Ma et al 2013). …”

The Role of the Pediatric Cerebellum in Motor Functions, Cognition, and Behavior

“…In addition, the cerebellum has been implicated in a diverse array of additional behavioral disorders – including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety (reviewed by Phillips et al 154 ). However, for the purposes of this review, we have tried to focus on those disorders that affect the pediatric population and for which sufficient data generated from children were available.…”

Using of methylphenidate and risperidone in a case with Joubert's syndrome with comorbid disruptive behavior disorders

“…A longitudinal study which ADHD and healthy controls were compared during 2-14 years by Mackie and colleagues found that ADHD group had smaller vermises than controls in every visit and this finding remained unchanged during the developmental period. In addition, patients with small vermis lobules due to stroke or other developmental anomalies are reported to have decreased attention directing ability [6].…”