Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions defined by long-lasting patterns of behavior, emotional response, and thinking that differ significantly from societal expectations. These patterns typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and can disrupt a person’s relationships, work, and self-image. The causes of personality disorders are complex, involving both inherited traits and life experiences. The authors of the review set out to explore how environmental exposures, such as childhood trauma and chronic stress, might alter the brain at a molecular level, increasing the risk for these disorders.

“The way the human brain adapts to the environment is of great interest in the neuroscience field, especially when exploring new avenues to treat mental health conditions that are currently poorly understood,” said the corresponding authors of the paper, Lorenzo More (a senior lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Central Lancashire), Ilaria Morella (assistant professor in pharmacology at Pavia University), and Andrew Shaw, (a lecturer in biomedical science at Glasgow University).

One of the central themes of the review is how environmental stress can shape the brain’s development through biological changes, a process known as environmental embodiment. The authors examine how specific molecular signaling pathways—namely Ras-ERK, p38, and mTOR—respond to external stimuli. These pathways regulate important brain functions like memory, stress responses, and social behavior. When disrupted, they may contribute to the kinds of emotional instability, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties seen in many personality disorders.

The review also discusses how certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, oxytocin, and vasopressin, are involved in the development and expression of personality disorder traits. For instance, reduced serotonin activity has been linked to increased impulsivity and emotional instability, while altered dopamine function may affect how people respond to rewards or frustration. Imbalances in oxytocin and vasopressin, which influence bonding and aggression, are believed to underlie some of the social and emotional challenges seen in people with disorders such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder.

The authors draw particular attention to the brain’s energy systems, especially the role of mitochondria—tiny structures within cells that generate energy. These energy-producing systems are not just about keeping neurons running; they also help regulate the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Studies in both humans and animal models have found that disruptions in mitochondrial function may be associated with traits like impulsivity and aggression. Additionally, the review highlights the role of oxidative stress—when harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species build up in the brain—in influencing how people react to stress and social situations.

Because personality disorders are difficult to model in animals, researchers have turned to studying smaller behavioral traits known as endophenotypes. These include behaviors such as heightened aggression or reduced social interaction. For example, one widely used test involves observing how mice respond to intruders, which gives insight into aggression levels. Although these models cannot capture the full complexity of human personality disorders, they help researchers identify biological mechanisms that might contribute to symptoms.

The review highlights “that antisocial traits — such as disproportionate aggression — which are characteristic of a clinical condition called antisocial personality disorder, result from imbalances in certain brain molecular pathways within cells,” the researchers told PsyPost. “These pathways can be influenced by one’s environment. For example, environments marked by high social competition increase the activity of p38, a ‘pro-stress’ molecular pathway, while reducing the activity of the Ras-ERK ‘anti-stress’ pathway.”

A key innovation discussed in the review is the potential development of “enviromimetic” drugs—medications that mimic the positive effects of healthy environmental experiences. These drugs would not treat symptoms in isolation, but instead activate the same molecular pathways that are engaged by nurturing social experiences or supportive environments. The goal is to reset or strengthen the biological systems involved in emotion regulation and social functioning.

“Targeting key components of the Ras-ERK pathway could enhance its cellular anti-stress effects and potentially reduce aggressive behaviors,” the researchers explained.

Some early examples of such interventions include ampakines—compounds that enhance the activity of specific brain receptors and may improve memory, plasticity, and sociability. Ampakines work by stimulating the Ras-ERK pathway, which is involved in learning and synaptic growth. Similarly, certain nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids or saffron extract, may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are increasingly recognized as contributors to emotional instability and aggression. These dietary supplements could complement existing therapies by supporting brain health at a cellular level.

The review also introduces a novel experimental compound called RB5, a cell-penetrating peptide that enhances ERK signaling in the brain. By mimicking certain deficiencies in ERK regulation, RB5 increases the activity of pathways involved in synaptic function and gene expression. This type of targeted molecular intervention might eventually help reduce aggressive or antisocial behaviors by recalibrating brain responses to social stimuli.

Looking ahead, the authors stress the need for more precise models of personality disorders that go beyond single traits like aggression. Many features of these disorders—such as a fragile sense of self, chronic feelings of emptiness, or fears of abandonment—are difficult to study in animals, leaving significant gaps in current knowledge. Future research may focus on combining genetic, molecular, and behavioral data to identify biomarkers that can guide personalized treatment strategies.

In particular, more work is needed “to better understand how the human brain encodes the valence of environmental stimuli, and how we can harness this knowledge to develop treatments for affective mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia,” the researchers said.

The review, “Neurobiology, molecular pathways, and environmental influences in antisocial traits and personality disorders,” was authored by Patryk M. Adamczyk, Andrew Shaw, Ilaria M. Morella, and Lorenzo More.

by Eric W. Dolan in Mental Health, Neuroimaging

Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay

If you missed it, search for her Sept. 16 article, “Wisdom from Tough Times: Talking Story with Kupuna.” Feedback from that article was positive so she is back this month to share stress management strategies for family caregivers, particularly during the busy holiday season.

Thank you to Dr. Yancura for sharing more of your expertise! Before beginning her section of this month’s column, find a notebook and pen or pencil as she will ask you to think about and write your thoughts.

The 4 As of Stress Management

My grandma used to say, “bad events come in threes,” and I was so glad when the third one happened. It meant our bad luck was over! As a young adult, I often wondered about that rule. Does it mean that caregivers and their family have to wait for three, six, or more bad events in order to get a break?

Fortunately, I have also learned more about stress since then. It is more complicated than the rule of three. Stressors take different forms. Traumatic events come at you from seemingly nowhere and may change your life. They usually create a trail of ripple effect stressors. Some of these are daily hassles, small events that become stressful as they add up. Others are chronic stressors, continue for years, and deplete emotional, physical and even financial resources.

Each step of the 4 As of Stress Management can guide you in dealing with different types of stressors. Managing stress in positive ways can combat feelings of helplessness and calm our minds so we can develop strategies to manage stress in healthy ways.

The first step is AVOID. It works well for daily hassles and means taking steps ahead of time to eliminate them. For example, if your loved one becomes nervous or agitated when you walk or drive on a certain street, avoid that street. What is one hassle you could avoid this week? When you decide on the hassle, write it down along with how you will avoid it.

The second step is ALTER. It works well for chronic stressors and means changing the situation to be less stressful. For example, if a physician rushes through instructions, ask them to slow down, giving you a chance to take notes and ask questions. Think about something that has caused you stress this week. What is one action you could take in this next week to alter the situation to decrease feelings of stress? Write it in your notebook.

The third step is ACCEPT. It works well for past events and means coming to terms with the situation so you can focus on thoughts or actions within your power. For example, if your family member has graduated to full-time use of a walker or wheelchair, you can help them to master its use or ask for a referral to a physical therapist who can help them build their strength and maneuvering skills. Acceptance can be difficult, especially if the changing situation means your family member is becoming less independent. In times like this a counselor, spiritual leader, or mental health professional can help you identify and take steps toward acceptance. Write down an action you can make this week to move closer to acceptance in one aspect of caregiving.

The fourth step is ADAPT. This is a long-term approach that works well for traumatic or chronic stressors and means making internal changes. As a caregiver you have probably adapted to caregiving situations by learning new skills, connecting with organizations in the community, asking for help, or learning to appreciate the small things in life. Think about and write down ways you have adapted to changes then give yourself credit for all you have done to keep your family member safe and supported.

It may take time to remember to slow down and use the four As, but they can help get through tough times and eventually lead to positive growth in many aspects of your life. Celebrate this holiday season by practicing the four A’s of stress management!

To learn more about stress go to stress.org

Photo by Nam Phong Bùi

This weekend’s “Aging Matters” column was written by guest author Dr. Lori Yancura, professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. The “Aging Matters”articles cover topics of interest to older adults and their families in Maui County and appears on the third Sunday of each month.

Being in a good head space is crucial for student success in school.

However, according to data from The American Institute of Stress, 48% of high school students report feeling a great deal of stress on a daily basis. And 42% of teens don’t know they can develop unhealthy habits due to stress.

However, according to Seattle Children’s, stress and anxiety can be greatly reduced in teens by limiting screen time, establishing a daily routine, and talking with someone about how their feelings.

Health professionals advise teens that seeking resources out at school is a good way to get help.

“I think within the school system I know that counseling services and school counselors are a really great resource for kids working through mental health issues that might be manageable in that setting,” said Danni Pinnick, the Immunization Surveillance coordinator at HHS.

If you or your teen is having a mental health emergency you can reach for help by calling 988.

Introduction to Stress for Teens- a free AIS-certified course to learn about the relaxation response and managing everyday stressors. This short course teaches teens to understand stress, keep their cool, and cope with pressure.

by: Will Albert for KX NEWS

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Gen Xers have been the most stressed generation for over a decade. In their 40s and 50s, Gen Xers have consistently reported higher stress levels than other generations since at least 2012.

A Penn State study in 2012 found that Gen X had significantly higher stress levels than other age groups, reporting an average stress level of 5.8 out of 10. This was notably higher than Millennials (3.4) and Baby Boomers (4.4). The American Psychological Association’s (APA) annual Stress in America survey from the same year corroborated these findings, showing that both Gen Xers and Millennials reported an average stress level of 5.4 on a 10-point scale, higher than Boomers (4.7) and Matures (3.7).

LinkedIn research in 2019 found that Gen Xers were still extremely stressed compared to the generations around them, with work-life balance, job security, and a sense of purpose being among the top stressors. More recent information from 2021 shows this trend is still in progress, as 22% of Gen Xers confess to struggling with stress daily, compared to 17% for Millennials, 14% for Gen Zs, and 8% for Baby Boomers.

There are several causes of elevated stress levels among Generation X. They are often caught up in the “sandwich generation” who have to take care of old parents and their kids simultaneously. There is also a considerable financial aspect involved since many individuals from this cohort are lagging in retirement savings despite nearing retirement age. During their peak earning years

GenX encountered numerous economic challenges, including the bursting of the dot-com bubble, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. They were forced into an abrupt adaptation from analog childhood to digital adulthood, where they had to cope with technological changes on both personal and professional fronts. This created another level of anxiety because they were constantly required to be knowledgeable about emerging technologies.

The picture regarding Generation X’s retirement savings is worrisome based on various research findings, which indicate huge deficits. Natixis Investment Managers found that the majority (48%) fear they will have enough saved to enjoy retirement and another 31% fear they’ll never save enough.

The average retirement savings for Gen X households is approximately $150,000, far below the estimated $1.5 million experts say is required for a comfortable retirement. Even more alarming, the National Institute on Retirement Security reports that the typical Gen X household with a private retirement plan has only $40,000 in savings, and about 40% of the group has not saved anything for retirement. The Schroders 2023 U.S. Retirement Survey paints a slightly more optimistic but still troubling picture, showing that Gen X workers, on average, believe they will need around $1.1 million in savings to retire comfortably but expect to have only $660,000 saved, indicating a substantial shortfall of about $440,000.

Despite all this stress, Gen X has developed a unique resilience. They’re the generation that grew up figuring things out independently, and that adaptability serves them well now. While they may be the most stressed, they’re often the best equipped to handle it. As the American Psychological Association points out, “Stress at any age is still stress,” but Gen X seems to have a knack for weathering the storm, even if they feel more pressure than most.

By Ivy Grace

This article Gen X Is The Most Stressed Generation Alive And Studies Reveal Why – Hint: They’re $440,000 Short On Retirement, And It’s Only Getting Worse originally appeared on Benzinga.com

For more information about stress-related issues, go to STRESS.ORG.

Photo by T Leish

But feeling the strain isn’t unique to these occupations. At least 2 in 5 workers in the U.S. consider their job “very or extremely” stressful; at least 1 in 4 workers report “often or very often” feeling “burned out or stressed” at work. High stress levels in the workplace can make individuals feel burned out, depressed, or anxious, making it more difficult to perform their job or even function in their personal life. It can even lead to health problems and even injuries.

According to The American Institute of Stress, more than half of adults in the U.S. report feeling like they have little control over their stress and experiencing extreme fatigue in their jobs. Health care positions are seemingly the most stressful, and six occupations in the medical field landed on the list of most stressful jobs. The responsibility of caring for a human being, in addition to the constant exposure to infectious diseases and dangerous drugs, adds pressure to the crucial daily duties performed by nurses, health technicians, and doctors, who often confront severe illness and death regularly.

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified stress levels in health care workers exposed to an unknown and highly contagious virus. Hospitals were overcrowded, had to improvise on protocols, and treated patients with experimental medication or procedures.

Workers from other industries, self-employed people, and business owners also endured intense stress during the coronavirus health crisis and the financial instability it caused immediately after the initial confinement period. Citing data from a Gallup poll, AIS reports that “daily stress reached a record high, increasing from 38% in 2019 to 43% in 2020.”

The organization warns that polls and statistics about stress in the workplace must be analyzed thoroughly, since “stress is a highly personalized phenomenon.” The same occupation is perceived and performed in different ways by every employee. Each worker has a unique skill set and a particular stress level tolerance. While some might thrive in a fast-paced environment, finding it challenging and rewarding, others prefer repetitive tasks with less responsibility.

One thing to also note is that individuals choose career paths and jobs for a multitude of reasons and motivations. While one person chooses a high-paying position knowing the toll it will take on their mental and physical health, others will settle for a lower wage in exchange for a better work-life balance.

To better understand the occupations where workers tend to work under stressful situations, Wysa cited information from O*NET, a data collection program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, to identify the 12 jobs that require the highest amount of stress tolerance. Data is collected through questionnaire responses by sampled workers and occupation experts and based on their rating of whether a job requires dealing with high-stress situations. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on annual salary for the occupation’s industry as of May 2022 is also included.

To learn more about stress and stress-related issues go to STRESS.ORG.

Photo by Pixabay

Story by Martha Sandoval for MSM.COM

According to the website Workable.com, the most unruly commutes can adversely affect one’s mental health, with the longest daily to-and-from trips often disrupting one’s life/work balance and leading to burnout. Aside from the inconvenience and frustration suffered from sitting in one’s vehicle going no place fast, difficult commutes can trigger anxiety caused by what amounts to a loss of control, leading to feelings of powerlessness and frustration. Perhaps not surprisingly, a University of Montreal study showed that those subjected to the longest commutes have a more likely chance of experiencing chronic stress.

Increased congestion on the nation’s highways, which combined with lingering high gas prices, and rising auto insurance rates and ongoing operating costs are making Americans’ daily commutes more arduous than ever. But motorists in some parts of the nation – and in other countries – tend to fare more or less anxious behind the wheel than others.

Measuring Highway Stress Levels

According to a study of commutes in the 30 largest cities in North America, the U.K. and Europe conducted by the personal finance site MoneySuperMarket.com, the most-horrific of the bunch in the U.S. can be found in the Los Angeles metro area, which the website regards as the second most stressful daily ride on the planet, second only to London.

Global metropolitan areas are ranked according to their applicable “Stress Scores,” which were determined by meticulously using monitors to track the heart rate (BPM) and heart rate variance (HRV) experienced by 300 drivers over a five-day period across the 30 largest cities in North America, the U.K. and Europe. For the uninitiated, the former is a measurement of how fast one’s heart is beating, which is generally lower when one is relaxed, while the latter measures the time between beats per minute, with lower levels indicating higher stress levels.

Drivers in London, which tops the chart, recorded a Stress Score of 92 out of a possible 100 points. Traffic congestion was found to raise the average Londoner’s resting heart rate by 25% (18 BPM), while also causing heart rate variance to dip by 33%.

Traffic was cited as being a major source of highway stress by 54% of respondents, followed by the questionable ability of other drivers at 52% and road layouts and conditions at 26%.

By contrast, Stockholm is least stressful major city for commuters with a score of just 12/100. This results from a nominal 3% increase in heart rates while driving and a slim 5% drop in HRV, both of which indicate low stress levels behind the wheel. We’re featuring lists of the most, and least onerous round trips both here and abroad below.

Coping Skills

How to best cope with the burgeoning burnout resulting from an especially grueling daily battle through traffic congestion? Assuming either taking public transportation or carpooling is not an option, the recruiting firm Robert Half offers these tips to help car-bound workers deal with the inevitable traffic tie-ups:

• Leave 15 minutes earlier. Pushing one’s self out the door ahead of schedule can help lead to less-exhausting travel times.
• Be strategic. Try alternate routes and traveling to and from work at different times of the day and plan around the combination that yields the least congestion, though this likely necessitates having a more-flexible work schedule than some employers may allow.
• Keep a regular schedule. That said, some commuters find it difficult on their mental and physical well-being to maintain a variable schedule, in which case maintaining set wake-up and departure times can be less stressful in the long run.
• Take control of the environment. Adjust the driver’s seat for maximum comfort and enjoy a relaxing (or stimulating) music genre, listen to podcasts or audio books or catch up with calls (hands-free, of course) to friends or family to more-pleasantly pass the time.
• Pack snacks. Sitting in traffic is bad enough, but it can become that much more stressful if one is hungry. Keep protein bars and bottles of water in the car or a desk drawer for a boost before taking the long road home.

The Most Stressful Commutes In The U.S.

These are the U.S. cities in which drivers face the most nerve-wracking daily commutes, with their Stress Scores, based upon measured heart rates and heart rate variances of 300 drivers over a five-day period across the 30 largest cities in North America, the U.K. and Europe:

1. Los Angeles: 84/100
2. San Francisco: 78/100
3. New York: 64/100
4. Miami: 51/100
5. Philadelphia: 48/100
6. Boston: 40/100

The Worst Cities Outside The U.S. For Commuters

Think your daily commute is bad? These are the world capitals in which a daily trip to and from the office can be especially challenging:

1. London, England: 92/100
2. Paris, France: 84/100
3. Cardiff, Wales: 67/100
4. Rome, Italy: 55/100
5. Glasgow, Scotland: 55/100
6. Istanbul, Turkey: 54/100
7. Bristol, England: 52/100

The Least-Stressful World Cities In Which To Drive To Work

Here’s where commuters have the easiest daily commutes with their minimal Stress Scores noted:

Stockholm. Sweden: 12/100

Berlin, Germany: 15/100

Toronto, Canada: 15/100

Montreal, Canada: 22/100

Sydney, Australia: 24/100

Brussels, Bekgium: 26/100

Leeds, England: 26/100

Edinburgh, Scotland: 28 /100

Manchester, England: 28 /100

Dublin, Ireland: 29 /100

For more information about stress-related issues visit The American Institute of Stress.

By Jim Gorzelany for Forbes

Photo by Stan

Original post-Science News

Photo by Eugene Capon

Photo by cottonbro studio

By Colby Stong

February 15, 2024

• Researchers are reporting that stress early in life can contribute to cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood.
• They say that’s because high levels of stress hormones may contribute to heart disease.
• Experts say there are a number of ways parents can help children understand and deal with stress.

Stress in adolescence and early adulthood may contribute to the development of cardiometabolic diseases later in life, according to a studyTrusted Source published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

To reach their findings, researchers looked at the health information of 276 participants from the Southern California Children’s Health Study from 2003 to 2014 and a follow-up assessment from 2018 to 2021.

The stress participants felt was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, with questions about thoughts and feelings during the previous month. Assessments were done in three life stages: childhood (average age of 6 years), adolescence (average age of 13 years), and young adulthood (average age of 24 years).

In early childhood, parents provided information on their child’s stress levels. During adolescence and adulthood, the responses were self-reported.

The researchers categorized participants into four groups:

• Consistently high stress
• Decreasing stress
• Increasing stress
• Consistently low stress

The scientists used six different markers to determine a cardiometabolic risk score in young adulthood:

• Neck artery thickness
• Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Percent of body fat
• Android/gynoid ratio
• Hemoglobin A1C

Participants received one point for markers above the normal range. The scientists did not use BMI in calculating the risk score as the body fat percentage and the android/gynoid ratio provided a comprehensive assessment.

End scores ranged from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher cardiometabolic risk factors.