Neurobiological mechanisms of resilience: a systematic review focused on stress adaptation

Abstract

Resilience to stress is an active neurobiological process that enables certain individuals to adapt favorably to adverse situations, preventing the development of affective disorders such as depression, anxiety, or psychological trauma. The objective of this study was to identify and synthesize recent evidence on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress resilience, with an emphasis on synaptic plasticity and the involvement of brain structures such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. A systematic review of scientific literature published between 2019 and 2023 was conducted in the PubMed database, following the PRISMA 2020 methodological guidelines. A total of 131 studies were identified, of which 13 were selected for detailed qualitative synthesis. The results show that resilience is associated with mechanisms of neuroplasticity, modulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endocannabinoids, as well as the regulation of neural networks involved in motivation, emotional memory, and behavioral coping. The influence of immunological and genetic factors is also evident, along with the protective role of non-pharmacological interventions such as physical exercise and yoga. It is concluded that resilience depends on a functional and molecular reorganization of specific brain circuits, which can be enhanced through targeted interventions, and that its understanding opens new avenues for the prevention and treatment of stress-related disorders from an integrative and neuroscience-based perspective.