There is a growing interest in the comprehension of psychobiological mechanisms underlying stress and its relationships with many psychopathologies such as anxiety (i.e. generalized anxiety and panic attacks) or depression. There are several reports on the effects of stress on neurogenesis and plasticity. This review will discuss some of the core concepts on the relation between stress, plasticity and neurogenesis obtained during the last decades from research – mainly based in the use of animal models. The distinguishable effects between acute and chronic stress will also be discussed in relation to other factors as genre and age with an emphasis on behavioral effects. Some current therapeutic approaches will be reviewed as well.