Stress impairs emotion control in people with mental health conditions: Study

IANS May 22, 2025 428 views

A groundbreaking study from Edith Cowan University explores how acute stress can dramatically impair emotional control mechanisms in people with mental health conditions. Researchers discovered that stress temporarily disrupts critical executive brain functions like working memory and impulse control, potentially explaining why some individuals struggle with traditional therapeutic interventions. The study examined 17 international research papers, revealing significant cognitive challenges for people with depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. These findings highlight the complex relationship between stress, brain function, and mental health treatment strategies.

"Understanding how stress interacts with brain function is key to improving mental health outcomes" - Tee-Jay Scott
Stress impairs emotion control in people with mental health conditions: Study
Sydney, May 22: Acute stress can disrupt the brain's ability to manage emotions, particularly in people with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder, according to a study.

Key Points

1

Stress significantly impacts working memory and impulse control

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Executive functions crucial for emotional regulation

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Mental health conditions increase vulnerability to cognitive disruption

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Research suggests tailored treatment approaches needed

Researchers from the Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia found that stress can temporarily impair executive functions, which are mental processes like working memory, impulse control, and flexibility, crucial for regulating emotions and making decisions under pressure, Xinhua news agency reported.

"These executive functions are vital for controlling emotional responses, especially in challenging situations," said Tee-Jay Scott, from the varsity.

"Our findings suggest that people with distress-related disorders may be more vulnerable to having these executive functions disrupted under stress, even when their symptoms don't meet the threshold for a formal diagnosis," Scott added.

Executive functions, such as working memory (holding and using information), response inhibition (resisting impulsive actions), and cognitive flexibility (adapting to change) are key to maintaining emotional balance.

The team reviewed 17 international studies and found that stress significantly affects working memory in people with depression and weakens impulse control in those with borderline personality disorder.

These findings may explain why some people respond poorly to common treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy, which rely on these very cognitive functions, said Joanne Dickson, the study's co-author and a professor at ECU.

"If acute stress is interfering with the mental processes that support emotion regulation, it could undermine a person's ability to benefit from these treatments, especially during periods of heightened distress," Dickson said.

While the study confirms a pattern of executive function impairment under acute stress, the researchers say more research to understand individual differences and refine treatment strategies is needed.

The researchers also suggested building up cognitive skills before tackling emotionally intense therapy sessions.

"Understanding how stress interacts with brain function is key to improving mental health outcomes," Scott said.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This study makes so much sense! In our fast-paced Indian cities, stress levels are through the roof. I've seen friends with anxiety struggle more during exam season or job pressure. We need more awareness about mental health in our education system. �
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Rahul S.
Interesting research but I wonder if cultural factors play a role too. In India, we're taught to suppress emotions from childhood - "beta, ro mat" (don't cry). Maybe this makes stress impact us differently? Would love to see similar studies done in Indian context.
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Anjali M.
As someone who's been through therapy, this explains why some sessions felt useless when I was super stressed. The suggestion to build cognitive skills first is brilliant! We need more Indian therapists who understand our specific stressors - family pressure, career competition etc.
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Vikram P.
While the study is valuable, I'm concerned about over-pathologizing normal stress responses. In our culture, we've traditionally used yoga and meditation to manage stress. Maybe we should invest more in researching these traditional methods alongside Western therapies?
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Sunita R.
Mental health awareness is growing in India but we still have miles to go. This research shows why we need workplace policies that recognize stress impact. So many IT professionals in Bangalore/Hyderabad are burning out but afraid to speak up. Companies must act! 💼
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Karan D.
The part about borderline personality disorder is eye-opening. In India, such conditions often get dismissed as "mood swings" or "attention-seeking". We need better diagnostic facilities and less stigma. Kudos to researchers for highlighting this important issue.

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Tags:
Mental Health Stress Management Brain Science Psychology Emotion Regulation ECU Research