New drug 'prevents PTSD'RSS Feed

A new drug can halt symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), scientists claim.

Researchers from Northwestern University say they have found the molecular cause of the brain injury and a way to stop it occurring.

Symptoms of PTSD include disturbing flashbacks of a traumatic event, nightmares, panic attacks and emotional numbness and are typically triggered by disturbing events such as military combat or a natural disaster.

Lead researcher Jelena Radulovic said: "They have insomnia; their social and family bonds are severed or strained. They avoid many situations because they are afraid something bad will happen".

Scientists found that by injecting drugs MPEP and MTEP into the brain's hippocampus within five hours of the traumatic event, they could stop this development of exaggerated fear.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, most people who develop symptoms of PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event recover within the first month or so.

However, around one in three people find that their symptoms continue as they cannot come to terms with what has happened.

Serious Law, award winning brain injury law firm

Posted by Matthew Heap
 

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