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Chronic stress can turn into schizophrenia
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Experts have long proven that chronic stress causes the brain to suffer quite severely, and in addition, chronic diseases may become aggravated and memory may deteriorate. Recent studies have shown that chronic stress also contributes to the development of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and leads to permanent damage to brain cells.
The new research project was led by Georg Jackel, a professor at the University of Bochum in Germany. He noted that the study examined various types of phagocytes, including microglia. Phagocytes usually help restore damaged connections between nerve cells in the brain and stimulate their growth. Stress activates microglia, which triggers inflammation. The more often microglia are activated, the longer brain cells remain in a destructive state, which increases the risk of mental illness, including schizophrenia.
As experts suggest, the problem can be identified even at the stage of embryonic development. There is a theory that influenza during pregnancy can provoke an immune reaction of the fetus, which will lead to negative consequences in the development of the brain and immunity of the future child.
Another study found that the brain's stress response can be reduced by reminding a person of love and care. It has previously been shown that love and care can reduce pain sensitivity.
A team of specialists at the University of Exeter have carried out research which they believe could help treat many stress-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a new research project, scientists studied the brain reactions of 42 healthy volunteers to images of love and care. As a result of magnetic resonance imaging, while the participants were viewing the images, the specialists found that activity in the amygdala (the part of the brain that determines the reaction to stress) dropped sharply.
The scientists also noted that after viewing the images, this area of the brain did not react to verbal threats and aggressive faces. Moreover, such a reaction was observed even if the person did not look at the images carefully.
Many mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, are characterized by increased vigilance, which is associated with strong activity of the amygdala, negative experiences and limited ability to regulate them.
By reducing the strength of the stress response, the brain copes more effectively with any stressful situations, and a person calms down faster, which is especially important for people with increased anxiety.
It has been established that the consumption of sweets, especially in large quantities, contributes to the development of stress, anxiety, and depression. Fructose, which is found in fruits, vegetables, and is also added to foods or drinks (ice cream, cookies), can also cause harm to the psyche, so experts recommend not to abuse such products.
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