Acute stress can significantly impair the brain’s ability to manage emotions, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. A recent study conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia has revealed that stress and emotion control are closely linked, and that acute stress can disrupt crucial brain functions responsible for maintaining emotional balance. The research also found that executive function and mental health are heavily influenced by stress, making individuals more susceptible to emotional dysregulation during distress.
Stress impacts executive function in mental health disorders
The study highlights that acute stress can temporarily compromise executive function and mental health by disrupting essential cognitive processes such as working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility. These executive functions are critical for emotion regulation, especially in high-pressure or challenging situations. As noted by researcher Tee-Jay Scott, individuals with distress-related disorders appear particularly vulnerable, even when their symptoms do not meet the threshold for a formal diagnosis.
According to the researchers, stress and emotion control are interdependent. When executive functions—particularly working memory—are impaired, emotional regulation becomes significantly more difficult. The team reviewed 17 international studies, which collectively support the finding that working memory under stress is notably weakened in individuals with depression. Similarly, those with borderline personality disorder exhibited reduced impulse control during acute stress episodes.
Why common Therapies may Be less effective under stress
Professor Joanne Dickson, a co-author of the study, emphasized that the effects of stress and emotion control extend to treatment outcomes as well. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which depends on intact cognitive abilities such as impulse control and memory, may be less effective for individuals experiencing acute stress. This is due to the disruption of executive function and mental health during emotionally heightened states.
Dickson added that working memory under stress and impulse control and stress are two key areas that appear to weaken precisely when these functions are most needed in therapy. These findings suggest a need to reconsider therapeutic approaches for patients undergoing significant emotional stress.
To address these challenges, researchers recommend building cognitive resilience before initiating emotionally intense therapies. This approach may help individuals strengthen executive function and mental health, improving their ability to manage stress and emotion control effectively. The study concludes that further research is necessary to explore individual differences and optimize treatment strategies.
Understanding how working memory under stress and impulse control and stress interact with therapy could lead to better mental health outcomes for those affected.
Conclusion
Stress can impair key brain functions vital for emotion control, especially in those with mental health conditions. Playing games like chess helps improve working memory and cognitive flexibility, which aids in managing stress. Alongside this, maintaining a healthy diet is essential to support brain health and emotional balance, making both important for better stress management.
For more insights on how stress influences our eating habits, read our article on why we crave comfort food in stress.
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