PTSD

A cannabinoid our bodies produce naturally has been found to play a role in the fear responses characteristic of conditions like anxiety and PTSD. The discovery opens the door to developing a treatment that targets this specific chemical.

A group of Texas-based researchers has developed an effective way to treat post-traumatic stress disorder that involves zapping the vagus nerve around the neck, using a device the size of a shirt button.

Fascinating new findings uncover how clusters of 'brain stars' retain our learnings – and it changes what we previously understood about how memories are held and retrieved in our minds. The medical implications of this are vast.

A study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University shows that playing the popular video game Tetris can significantly reduce flashbacks in people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We were this close to seeing Ecstasy being incorporated into therapy in the US in 2024. Now, we have to wait either a little or a lot – depending on how the chips fall. Let's have a closer look at where we're currently at.

Two dogs in a small study were able to correctly identify what breath smelled like when it was linked to a memory of trauma. The finding might allow dogs to be even better friends when it comes to helping PTSD sufferers cope with their conditions.

Researchers have identified the neurons responsible for controlling how growth hormone affects anxiety and the creation of fear memories, a hallmark of post-traumatic stress disorder. The discovery could lead to a new class of anti-anxiety drugs.

A study has found that a therapy program focusing on self-compassion and mindfulness reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The intervention is promising for those who suffer from PTSD symptoms but don't meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis.

For the first time, scientists have identified how going to bed stressed fires up certain brain cells at the wrong time in the sleep cycle to significantly interrupt it – and that suppressing this activity can ensure 'business as usual' slumber.

Research has found that the brains of people with PTSD process traumatic personal memories differently from sad ones. The findings suggest traumatic memories activate a distinct pathway, which may be critical to PTSD treatment.

A new study has revealed that the body’s hormone stress response is why some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder following trauma exposure, and others don’t. The finding could lead to more targeted treatments for the condition.

Researchers have found that treating Special Ops veterans with psychedelics improved their mental health and, unexpectedly, their cognitive functioning, underscoring the benefits of psychedelic therapy for those with complicated trauma histories.