The Biology of Stress

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Scientists at The University of Western Ontario have discovered a biological link between stress, anxiety and depression. By identifying the connecting mechanism in the brain, this high impact research led by Stephen Ferguson of Robarts Research Institute shows how stress and anxiety can lead to biological causes of depression. The external causes of stress are multiple such as: Jobs and The Workplace, Financial Problem, Personal Relationships, Children/Family, and Being Too Busy. The biological link may show how to treat the stress symptoms in a better way.

Scientists at The University of Western Ontario have discovered a biological link between stress, anxiety and depression. By identifying the connecting mechanism in the brain, this high impact research led by Stephen Ferguson of Robarts Research Institute shows how stress and anxiety can lead to biological causes of depression. The external causes of stress are multiple such as: Jobs and The Workplace, Financial Problem, Personal Relationships, Children/Family, and Being Too Busy. The biological link may show how to treat the stress symptoms in a better way.

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The most common anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepines and buspirone) are often given for short term benefits. But these may lead to side effects such as drowsiness or lethargy, and dependency on part of the patient.
One of more common stress effect is a pounding headache, caused by fluctuations in blood circulation and muscle tension, especially in scalp and face. Antidepressant medication has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms.

Stress relief medications are one way of dealing with stress. There is also stress management techniques and, of course, removal of the external stress cause.

Stress management techniques will vary in their effectiveness. Examples include: time management, relaxing music, biofeedback, yoga and meditation.

Ferguson, Ana Magalhaes and their colleagues used a behavioral mouse model and a series of molecular experiments to reveal the connection pathway and to test the new inhibitor. "Our findings suggest there may be an entire new generation drugs and drug targets that can be used to selectively target depression, and therefore treat it more effectively, " says Ferguson, the director of the Molecular Brain Research Group at Robarts, and a professor in the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

"According to the World Health Organization, depression, anxiety and other related mood disorders now share the dubious distinction of being the most prevalent causes of chronic illness," says Anthony Phillips, the scientific director of the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction. "Using the power of molecular biology, Stephen Ferguson and colleagues provide novel insights that may be the key to improving the lives of so many individuals coping with these forms of mental ill health."

While major depressive disorder often occurs together with anxiety disorder in patients, the causes for both are strongly linked to stressful experiences. Stressful experiences can also make the symptoms of anxiety and depression more severe. By discovering and then blocking a pathway responsible for the link between stress, anxiety and depression, Ferguson not only provides the first biological evidence for a connection, but he also pioneers the development of a potential drug for more effective treatment.


For further information: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-04/uowo-blb040610.php