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. 2013 Apr;5(2):91-7.
doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.111818.

Stress: Neurobiology, consequences and management

Anil Kumar  1 , Puneet Rinwa, Gurleen Kaur, Lalit Machawal
Affiliations

Stress: Neurobiology, consequences and management

Anil Kumar et al. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Stress, both physical and psychological, is attracting increasing attention among neuroresearchers. In the last 20 decades, there has been a surge of interest in the research of stress-induced manifestations and this approach has resulted in the development of more appropriate animal models for stress-associated pathologies and its therapeutic management. These stress models are an easy and convenient method for inducing both psychological and physical stress. To understand the behavioral changes underlying major depression, molecular and cellular studies are required. Dysregulation of the stress system may lead to disturbances in growth and development, and may this may further lead to the development of various other psychiatric disorders. This article reviews the different types of stress and their neurobiology, including the different neurotransmitters affected. There are various complications associated with stress and their management through various pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques. The use of herbs in the treatment of stress-related problems is practiced in both Indian and Western societies, and it has a vast market in terms of anti-stress medications and treatments. Non-pharmacological techniques such as meditation and yoga are nowadays becoming very popular as a stress-relieving therapy because of their greater effectiveness and no associated side effects. Therefore, this review highlights the changes under stress and stressor and their impact on different animal models in understanding the mechanisms of stress along with their effective and safe management.

Keywords: Animal models; depression; manifestations; neurotransmitters; stress; therapeutic management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Relationship between arousal, psychological stress, physical stress and pathology
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic presentation of major components of limbic system, modulating neurotransmitters, and their interplay with two major neurotransmitter systems that mediate stress response
Figure 3
Figure 3
De novo synthesis pathway of melatonin
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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