Overview of the effects of stress on the brain and body.

Stress affects the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. Specifically, stress alters the release of pro-inflammatory proteins from cells in the immune system; in turn, pro-inflammatory proteins work on other systems.

Pro-inflammatory proteins alter neurotransmitter function in the brain and the release of stress hormones in the body. Also, stress directly alters the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. In turn, neurotransmitter changes alter the function of immune proteins and the release of stress hormones.

Finally, stress directly alters the release of stress hormones from glands in the endocrine system (or the adrenal glands which sit on the kidneys). In turn, the release of stress hormones then affects the function of neurotransmitters and immune system. Together, these direct and indirect changes in the brain and body cause symptoms of depression.