Decades of research into the ramifications of chronic and/or extreme stress have shown that prolonged exposure leads to significant psychological and physiological changes in the body and brain. These changes can impact behaviors, emotional regulation, cognitive processes, and, consequently, overall mental health. Long-term stressors negatively impact cognitive function, decrease resilience, and often serve as a trigger for psychiatric illnesses. Chronic stress likely influences the development of depression and anxiety-related disorders, given its complex interplay with individual vulnerabilities, perception of stressors, and physiological changes in multiple bodily systems. Evidence from animal and human studies has begun to highlight chronic stress as a significant risk factor for triggering neurochemical imbalances in the brain that affect mood and emotional regulation in vulnerable individuals. More recent research suggests that neural plasticity likely plays a considerable role in the interplay between chronic stress and the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Stress-induced reductions in brain plasticity might underlie the development of depressive and anxious symptoms, reflecting changes in associated brain circuitry. Further explorations into the relationship between chronic stress, depression, and anxiety-related disorders could yield critical insights into preventative strategies and novel treatment interventions.

Our main goal for this Research Topic is to highlight and collect research that focuses on chronic and repeated stressors over time, ideally with a focus on the consideration of neural plasticity. Considering the effects of chronic/repeated stressors on how and why people develop depression and anxiety, with a potential focus on neural plasticity as a theoretical cause, could improve treatment methods via pharmacological means and psychological therapies. By delving into the impact of chronic stress on brain function and structure, researchers can better comprehend the potential pathways through which chronic stress instigates the manifestation of anxiety and depression. This perspective could prove paramount for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at safeguarding neural plasticity.

The Topic Editors welcome various article types focusing on the themes below. Please note that all papers must mention neural plasticity; ideally, as a factor measured in the research, but it should at least be mentioned as part of the context.

• Long-term or repeated stressors and how these affect anxiety/depression development, maintenance, treatment, and recurrence
• neurochemical imbalances induced by chronic stress
• protective factors and resilience against stress-induced changes in brain function
• innovative therapeutic approaches, including biofeedback, targeting neural plasticity to counteract the impact of stress.

As well as original research and review articles, commentary, methods, case studies, and qualitative research will be considered.

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The Effect of Chronic and Repeated Stressors on the Development of Depression and Anxiety, and Neural Plasticity