Psychological Loss: Molecular Markers and Target Areas for Reducing the Harms of Loss

This video reviews a recent hot topic in mental health research – the molecular neurobiology of psychological loss. It focuses on a study conducted by researchers, Smail and colleagues (2023), which studied how loss affects the brain and behaviour using rat models. They found that changes in the basolateral amygdala, microglia, and extracellular matrix are involved in regulating response to loss. Their research suggests that perineuronal nets (PNNs) could be a promising target to help humans better adapt to loss.

This video was made by McMaster University students Danaeya Wolfe, Shely Patel, and Rachela Smith in collaboration with the Demystifying Medicine McMaster Program.

This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your healthcare provider for information about your health.

Copyright McMaster University 2024

References:
Christie-Seely, J. (1983). Life stress and illness: A systems approach. Canadian Family Physician, 29, 533.

Rahe, R. H. (1968). Life-change measurement as a predictor of illness.

National Institution of Mental Health (NIMH) (2023). Loss: Negative Valence Systems. Res Domain Criteria. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/res...

Smail, M. A., Smith, B. L., Shukla, R., Alganem, K., Eby, H. M., Bollinger, J. L., Parikh, R. K., Chambers, J. B., Reigle, J. K., & Moloney, R. D. (2023). Molecular neurobiology of loss: A role for basolateral amygdala extracellular matrix. Molecular Psychiatry, 1–13.