Anatomical Impact of Long-Term Psychological Stress on the Hippocampus and Interneuronal Connections: A Neuroanatomical Review

Chronic psychological stress has emerged as a significant factor in the structural degradation of the human brain. This article provides an in-depth neuroanatomical analysis of the changes occurring within the hippocampal formation—a region critical for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. By synthesizing recent literature from 2020 to 2026, the study examines the anatomical pathways of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and its role in inducing dendritic atrophy and suppressing neurogenesis. Furthermore, it explores the disruption of interneuronal communication networks, specifically focusing on the loss of synaptic density in the CA1 and CA3 regions. The findings highlight the physical remodeling of neural circuits as a direct consequence of prolonged glucocorticoid exposure, offering a structural perspective on stress-related cognitive decline.