Taiwanese researchers have uncovered the mechanism behind fear in animals. Over the past three years, they have been developing a drug to inhibit this condition, aiming to assist those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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PTSD is a condition resulting from traumatic experiences such as participating in wars, life-threatening accidents, sexual assault, and torture. It includes typical symptoms such as disordered memory, frequent nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event. Patients often become highly alert to their surroundings and exhibit excessive anxiety when confronted with reminders of the past.
Gean Po-wu, a pharmacology professor at Cheng Kung University, explains that fear occurs when amino acid receptors on the surface of cells are activated. If an inhibitor could halt the activity of these receptors, the sensation of fear would dissipate.
Currently, cognitive behavioral therapy is the primary method for treating individuals with PTSD; however, this approach is limited as it cannot eliminate the horrific memories, Gean notes. With the amino acid receptor inhibitors, it may be possible to completely eradicate the sensation of fear. According to Gean, combining these two therapies could enhance treatment effectiveness.
T. An
