NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS AND RESILIENCE

Abstract

Stress and resilience are two intertwined phenomena that shape human responses to adversity. Stress, defined as the physiological and psychological reaction to challenges, impacts various systems in the body and brain, with chronic stress contributing to structural and functional changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, as well as neurotransmitter dysregulation. Resilience, on the other hand, represents the capacity to adapt and recover from stress, supported by neuro-plasticity, genetic, and epigenetic factors. This chapter explores the neurobiological mechanisms of stress and resilience, focusing on the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis, neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol, and their roles in mental health. The dynamic interplay between stress exposure and resilience mechanisms is examined, including the influence of early life experiences and protective factors like social support and a healthy lifestyle. The chapter highlights interventions to enhance resilience, including pharmacological approaches targeting HPA axis regulation, and nonpharmacological strategies such as mindfulness, physical activity, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Understanding these processes provides valuable insights into fostering resilience and developing effective interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of stress.