Research team of the University of Coimbra receives nearly half a million euros to study the effects of chronic stress on the brain
In Europe, more than 40 million people are believed to suffer from anxiety and depression.
A project led by the Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology of the UC (CNC -UC) about the effects of chronic stress on the brain has received a funding of 492 thousand euros from the CaixaResearch Health Research competition, an initiative of the “la Caixa” foundation with the support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
Chronic stress is increasingly common in modern societies and results in an increased risk for mental health due to its effects on the brain. One of the brain regions most affected by stress is the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in planning complex behaviour and making decisions. In Europe, more than 40 million people are believed to suffer from anxiety and depression (mental disorders associated with chronic stress.) These disorders are worsening significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which means that solutions are urgently needed.
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