from the Current Opinion in Psychiatry
Most of us have stress in our lives, some
of us more than others. But a scientific
review suggests uncontrolled or longterm
chronic stress and anxiety may
damage the brain. The study found
extensive overlap in the brain’s circuitry
from chronic anxiety, fear and stress,
which may explain development of
disorders, including depression and
Alzheimer’s disease. Lead author, Dr.
Linda Mah ends her report in Current
Opinion in Psychiatry on a hopeful note—
suggesting that stress-induced damage
to the hippocampus section of the brain
is not completely irreversible. She says
anti-depressants and physical activity
have both been shown to help and,
going forward, she says more work
needs to focus on other similar
interventions, including mindfulness
training and behavioral therapy.