Study: New Drug Harnsses Effects of PTSD
New drug harnesses the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and gives those suffering a clean slate. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology examined a drug known as a HDAC2 inhibitor which helped mice overcome traumatic memories.
The team of neuroscientists, lead by neurobiologist Li-Huei Tsai, found that by inhibiting HDAC2 activity they could drive dramatic structural changing to the brain. What Tsai said happens is the brain becomes more “plastic” and therefore more capable of developing very strong new memories that will supersede the old fearful memories.
Psychotherapy is more effective when treating recent traumatic events but hasn’t been very effective at harnessing those from long ago. This new study shows that modifying the molecules that connect to our DNA can help squash painful memories in both cases.
The study offers a system explaining why it is difficult to rid the brain of older memories and shows that HDACs can aid … click HERE to continue reading
