Motor neuron diseases (MND) are a group of rare neurodegenerative diseases that significantly affect the survival of patients. The disease progresses rapidly, and currently, there is no cure for MND. Therefore, delays in MND progression and improvements in the patient’s quality of life have become crucial aspects of clinical work. Stress—a response to environmental or psychological changes—significantly affects body metabolism. In particular, excessive stress can harm the human body. Here, we review recent literature exploring the impact of stress on the progression of MND. This review also discusses the potential mechanisms of stress-induced MND deterioration, including activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, abnormal microglial activation, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of stress granules. The role of stress in the pathological changes of MND and the importance of stress management in the treatment of MND have been emphasized. Here, we highlight that the attention of clinicians to this crucial aspect can significantly influence the course and outcome of the disease.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced COVID-19 as the sixth public health emergency of international concern, and on March 11, 2020, the WHO declared that COVID-19 is a pandemic. To date, patients with COVID-19 are present in most countries in the world. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 virus and the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus are approximately about 79% homologous, and their transmission modes are similar, but the transmission speed and range of COVID-19 virus far exceed those of the 2003 SARS virus, causing people to experience panic, anxiety, and depression. After the SARS epidemic, many survivors and medical workers had severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which seriously affected their quality of life. Here, we reviewed the situations of PTSD after the SARS epidemic. The lessons and experiences of PTSD caused by SARS may help deal with the more severe occurrence of PTSD during and after the COVID-19 epidemic.