Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) have suggested that acute stress may impair key brain functions involved in managing emotions — particularly in people living with distress-related disorders. Their work has been published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports.
As explained by study co-author Tee-Jay Scott, our executive functions — such as working memory (holding and using information), response inhibition (resisting impulsive actions) and cognitive flexibility (adapting to change) — are vital for controlling emotional responses, especially in challenging situations. The research reviewed 17 international studies examining how these mental skills are affected by acute stress in people with symptoms of depression, anxiety or borderline personality disorder, finding that rather than enhancing mental focus in high-pressure moments, stress may temporarily disrupt executive functions in those with distress-related disorders.
“We found that working memory is particularly vulnerable to stress in people with depression, and that response inhibition — essential for self-control — may be impaired in those with borderline personality disorder,” said Scott, an ECU Masters student.
Co-author Professor Joanne Dickson said these disruptions could help explain why some people don’t respond well to common treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which relies heavily on these executive functions.
“Many psychological therapies are cognitively demanding,” she said.
“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.”
The researchers say their findings highlight a need for more tailored interventions that account for stress-related cognitive disruptions.
“This research opens up new avenues for understanding how and why distress symptoms and disorders develop and persist,” Dickson said.
“It also points to the importance of designing therapies that are more flexible or that build executive function capacity before emotionally challenging work begins.”
While the study confirms a pattern of executive function impairment under acute stress, more research is needed to understand individual differences and refine treatment strategies.
“Understanding how stress interacts with brain function is key to improving mental health outcomes,” Scott said.
“It’s not just about what therapy is used, but when and how it’s delivered that will help ensure it’s effective.”
Reconstructing bat organ physiology in the lab lets scientists explore how zoonotic viruses work…
Researchers say they have found the genes linked to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), after…
The TGA has approved SKYTROFA as a treatment for growth failure in children and adolescents aged…
Environmental Monitoring in Regulated Life Science Sectors: Ensuring Product Integrity and Compliance Through Automated Climate Control
INTEGRA Biosciences' tools support vital PCR purification protocols
Multi-Component FTIR Gas Analyser for Continuous Measurement of ppm to % vol in a Portable or Mobile Form
The Invisible Threat in Lab Water: Effective Solution for Microplastic Contamination
Medicare chronic wound care scheme set to benefit 20,000/year
Urinary incontinence and cardiovascular disease risk in women
Pharmacist distraction during dispensing — extent and sources
Ambulance ramping — its "very real potential human consequences"
Could this game wave goodbye to nerve pain?
Increasing sensor life in harsh conditions
ABB receives EPD status for gearless mill drive ring motor
Enabling OT continuous monitoring
Central Coast Council completes first remote sewer inspection
Ghost Bat a major milestone for local defence manufacturing
Victorian home demonstrates grid resilience solution
Australian-made green metals get $19.8m investment
Why grid orchestration must be Australia's next energy imperative
Recycled water to keep Victorian sporting grounds green
Productivity Summit announcement welcomed
Westwick-Farrow Media
Locked Bag 2226
North Ryde BC NSW 1670
ABN: 22 152 305 336
www.wfmedia.com.au
Email Us
LabOnline has an editorial mix of business news, research and funding updates, industry comment, feature articles, conference previews, case studies and succinct new product items, making it a ‘must read’ for industry leaders.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MEDIA CHANNEL
Membership is FREE to qualified industry professionals across Australia.
SUBSCRIBE MAGAZINE
For subscription enquiries please
