FIG. 3. Development of psychiatric disorders as a consequence of prolonged SLS. When subjected to long lasting severe life stress (SLS) pathophysiological changes take place in the brain. NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes are induced, particularly NOX2 with ensuing increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The later enhance the release of glutamate (GLU) from neurons; prolonged glutamatergic discharge has such resultant effects as N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor down regulation, loss of phenotype of inhibitory parvalbumin (PV) interneurons and apoptotic changes in the hippocampus. These alterations are similar to those seen in psychosis; the putative model of major psychiatric disorders described here is extrapolated from animal experiments carried out in rodents and primates.
