Stress may trigger depression in certain individuals

Tuesday, 25 January 2011 16:00

News - Workplace Stress

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A study that was recently published in the journal Neuron has suggested that people with certain neurological traits may be more prone to depression when exposed to a stressful environment. 

Results may suggest that stress could be even more detrimental to employees than previously thought. Implementing employee wellness programs that combat stress could help reduce employee health benefit costs due to later complications. Additionally, benefits that include mental healthcare coverage could prevent depression in certain employees.

Scientists from Yamaguchi University in Japan tested mice with different genetic traits. They found that one type of mice was resilient when exposed to chronic mild stress while the other showed depression-like behaviors in response.

The mice who were more susceptible to stress and eventually depression had less expressive neurotrophic factors, which help regulate brain plasticity.

Co-author Dr. Shusaku Uchida said the results of the study could lead to novel ways for depression treatment.

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic back up the suggestion that chronic stress could lead to depression and a severely impacted quality of life.

Employers who take proactive steps to combat workplace stress may be putting themselves at an advantage by preventing more serious conditions in their employees.