Impact of Stress on the Brain: Neurobiological Mechanisms and Long-Term Consequences for Mental Health

Abstract

The article examines the concept of ‘stress’, highlighting both its negative and positive effects on a person’s mental and physical state.
The aim of the study is to clarify the concept of ‘stress’, review scientific sources regarding the neurobiological mechanisms of the stress response, and identify the consequences that chronic stress may have on cognitive and emotional brain functions, as well as to explore methods of rehabilitation for such conditions. Research methods: Critical analysis of scientific literature, comparison of scientific theories on the classification of stress and its types, and generalisation of neurobiological data on the effects of prolonged stress on brain structures, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Research results demonstrate that prolonged stress can transition into chronic stress, which in turn increases the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to the release of stress hormones: adrenaline, cortisol, and noradrenaline. As a result, individuals may experience depression, cognitive impairments, and heightened anxiety. Attention is also drawn to the interconnection between stress, the immune system, and the underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Scientific novelty lies in the holistic approach to analysing stress as a neuropsychobiological phenomenon, encompassing all levels from molecular processes to behavioural manifestations. A conceptual framework is proposed for using psychotechnologies of adaptive self-regulation as a tool for strengthening stress resilience and preventing mental disorders. Academic discipline and sub-disciplines: Neuroscience; Psychology; Psychiatry