Are you a woman and were exposed to increased stress during early childhood? You are at greater risk of developing anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) as an adult than your male counterparts, warn researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (MPI) in Munich (Germany). . According to their study, published on December 20 in the journal Communications Biology the differences are present both at the level of stress and in cerebral metabolism and the regulation of stress hormones. Scientists therefore emphasize the need to understand how biological sex influences responses to trauma. Ultimately, their results could pave the way for new therapies more adapted to individual needs.
For their work, the researchers studied a mouse model of stress during early childhood. They discovered that this led to increased fear reactions, which differed depending on gender. While males adopt passive strategies to adapt to fear, females are in action: they rush or escape. Furthermore, early childhood stress affected males and females at different times, with females experiencing more acute effects and males experiencing more lasting consequences. Women therefore have increased levels of stress hormones (corticosterone) immediately after being exposed to stress during early childhood, but not men.
The researchers also examined metabolic processes in brain regions associated with fear and stress, including the amygdala and hippocampus. They thus identified changes in the brain mechanism linked to sex and stress. Stress experienced in early childhood is thought to trigger sex-specific alterations in critical metabolic pathways as well as processes essential for energy production, DNA repair and neuronal communication.
“A world where mental health care is more effective, equitable and responsive”
These findings therefore suggest that early life stress reprograms the way the brain manages energy and signaling, potentially increasing vulnerability to mental disorders later in life.
“Our findings highlight the importance of considering gender differences in the neurobiological pathways underlying trauma-related behaviors,” explains Joeri Bordes, lead author of the study. “This knowledge could pave the way for the development of sex-specific interventions for people who have experienced early life stress.” »
Thus, potential therapies targeting specific metabolic pathways could be tailored to meet the different needs of men and women. “ By understanding how stress affects the brain differently in men and women, we come closer to building a world where mental health care is more effective, equitable and tailored to individual needs,” hopes Mathias Schmidt, head of the MPI research group.
What about post-traumatic stress?
According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after a traumatic event. Or a situation during which the physical or psychological integrity of an individual or one of their loved ones has been threatened or damaged. Sufferers report nightmares, flashbacks of traumatic events, anxiety, fear and hyper vigilance. They also suggest emotional numbing, anger and violent behavior, as well as drug and alcohol abuse. If not managed effectively, this chronic illness can last a lifetime. Treatments currently offered include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization (EMDR) and hypnosis. Unfortunately, due to the taboo around this disease and sometimes the lack of appropriate care for the populations who need it most, many affected people are left in limbo.
Source: www.topsante.com
