Why does chronic stress lead to impaired cognitive function in the prefrontal cortex?

💡 Explanation

Chronic stress increases glutamate release, which overstimulates glutamate receptors, leading to excitotoxicity and impaired synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, option B is correct because glutamate excitotoxicity impairs synaptic function, rather than the effects of increased glial cells, reduced brain volume, or decreased GABAergic inhibition.

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