Your constant stress can lead to depression: Mental health research

If you experience constant stress and anxiety, it can lead to more serious mental health problems, claims the new research.

Chronic stress affects your behavior and can also lead to more serious issues like depression and anhedonia.

Let's find out more.

Learn more about the study itself

A study in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that POMC neurons in the brain tend to become hyperactive after constant stress.

When these neurons are too active, they can affect your behavior and habits a lot. By making neurons calmer again, these behaviors can be alleviated.

The study conducted at the Medical College of Georgia focused on POMC neurons in the hypothalamus, which regulate various functions.

What the researchers have found

The findings claims that POMC neurons play a crucial role in how brains can work with stress and react to it.

Chronic stress breaks the balance between POMC and AgRP neurons in the brain.

AgRP neurons are important for seeking food when hungry and have an inverse relationship with POMC neurons.

Why it is important

Understanding how constant stress affects these neurons and paying attention to their activity could provide new treatment approaches for conditions like depression and anhedonia.
 

• Related news:
• stress
• depression
• mental health
• research
• 2 July 2023

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