What effect does continuos stress enjoy on the brain?
Answers:
Chronic stress ("nervous tiredness") causes the release of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) from cortical neurons in the limbic system. CRF cause enhanced activity in the amygdala and diminished activity contained by the hippocampus. Both of these actions cause the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland via a signal from the hypothalamus. ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex which releases cortisol into the body.
Unlike acute stress, chronic stress is not a fitting thing - over time, the diminished activity will cause the hippocampus to shrink cause memory problems. If you have chronic stress, you should seek help.
Antidepressants achievement on this system (in addition to elsewhere) by blocking serotonin reuptake. This produces, via 2nd messengers, a product in the brain called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that stimulates neurogenesis and growth of the hippocampus. BDNF also inhibits CRF and cortisol production.
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