Study identifies an intestinal immune cell that impacts the gut microbiome, affecting brain functions linked to depression and stress.
Study reports on epigenetic changes to the FKBP5 gene, a key gene associated with the regulation of stress response in the body, in babies and young children who were injured as a result of abuse, but not accidental injury.
Researchers have identified a novel stress-sensitive pathway in the reward system of the brain that releases corticotropin-releasing hormone in response to stress. Adverse experiences cause this pathway to become overactive.
Deficiencies in DSCAML1 disrupt normal brain development and increase baseline levels of cortisol, making the hormone less able to function correctly during periods of stress. The findings shed new light on programmed cell death in the developing brain and could lead to new treatments for mental health disorders including stress and anxiety.
Chronic stress impairs allopregnanolone production in the basolateral amygdala, a brain area associated with mediating emotional response. The reduction of this neurosteroid results in depressive symptoms in animal models.
The state of gratitude lowers systolic blood pressure response through stress-testing experiences, demonstrating that gratitude has a unique buffering effect against both reactions to and recovery from psychological stress.
Even small bouts of physical activity and exercise throughout the day can help to boost your mental well-being.
Parental stress is higher in parents who suffer from sleep disorders or have children with disordered sleeping.
Running can help some escape from their everyday stresses, however, some recreational runners show signs of exercise dependence. Exercise dependence could be the result of maladaptive escapism where one self-suppresses to avoid negative experiences. This can be detrimental to overall well-being.
Anhedonia and depression arise when POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus become hyperactive as a result of chronic stress. Reducing the activity also reduces feelings of depression and loss of pleasure.
In healthy adults, daily fluctuations in mood do not affect confidence in decision-making.
A new study reveals community gardening helps lower stress and anxiety, and reduces cancer risks. Researchers found those who gardened had elevated fiber intake and increased physical activity.
