What’s in the news?

• A study using mice led by scientists from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, finds that stimulating a particular pathway in the brain in early life can cause anxiety, depression and even schizophrenia-like symptoms later in life.

Findings of this study

• Using genetic engineering the researchers modulated a specific pathway in the brains of mice which is known to stimulate the excitatory neurons in the forebrain region. The neuron is the basic working unit of the brain, a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.
• When they carried out prolonged stimulation in two-week old mice and observed them when they grew into adults, the researchers found that the adult mice exhibited signs of increased anxiety, depression-like behaviour and even symptoms of schizophrenia-like behaviour.
• Such behaviour was not observed in mice that had been subjected to the stimulation as adolescents or adults.
• The study hopes to find answer to the following question- “If we can mimic the effects of early stress using these chemogenetic strategies, can we also reverse the effects of early stress?”

Importance of this study

• In India, the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 reveals that nearly 15% Indian adults need active intervention for one or more mental health issues and one in 20 Indians suffers from depression. It is estimated that in 2012, India had over 258,000 suicides, with the age-group of 15-49 years being most affected.
• The Indian government’s commitment is reflected in the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), which encompasses life skills training and counselling in educational institutions, workplace stress management and suicide prevention services, among others.
• India’s 1st National Mental Health Helpline ‘Kiran’ was also unveiled recently.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/early-childhood-stress-and-mental-illness/article32882229.ece