AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 8, 2024·4 min readAutism and PTSD Are Vulnerably LinkedIndividuals on the autism spectrum are particularly susceptible to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The research demonstrates that even mild stressors, which typically wouldn't affect others, can trigger PTSD in those with autism, exacerbating core autistic traits like repetitive behavior.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·April 18, 2024·7 min readPTSD’s Genetic Roots: 43 Genes and 95 Loci IdentifiedA monumental genetic study involving over 1.2 million people has identified 95 genomic loci associated with PTSD, revealing 80 previously undiscovered loci. This study, the largest of its kind, highlights the significant genetic underpinnings of PTSD and suggests new avenues for treatment and prevention strategies.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 11, 2024·4 min readWar’s Toll on the Brain: Widespread PTSD and Anxiety Among UkrainiansA new study reveals severe mental health impacts among displaced Ukrainians due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Surveying over 8,000 individuals, researchers found widespread PTSD, anxiety, and flashbacks, particularly among those still in Ukraine, highlighting the compounded mental strain of war and displacement.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 28, 2024·4 min readDogs Sniffing Out PTSDDogs can be trained to detect stress-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human breath, potentially identifying the onset of PTSD flashbacks. This groundbreaking study utilized two dogs to distinguish between the breath of individuals recalling traumatic experiences and control samples, achieving over 70% accuracy.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 21, 2024·6 min readTargeting Stress Neurons Could Curb Problem Alcohol UseResearchers made a significant discovery, identifying that inhibiting neurons related to stress responses may decrease alcohol consumption in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) simultaneously. Their study used a rat model to demonstrate that reducing the activity of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) producing neurons in the central amygdala lessens alcohol intake without affecting trauma-related anxiety.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 14, 2024·3 min readUnlocking Fear’s Roots in the BrainResearchers provide new findings on how the brain's response to stress can lead to generalized fear, a condition that can severely impact mental health and contribute to disorders like PTSD. By studying mice, the team discovered a stress-induced switch from excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitters in the dorsal raphe of the brain, a change that leads to fear responses in the absence of real threats.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 6, 2024·7 min readPTSD: Virtual Reality and Magnetic Stimulation Provide ReliefResearchers demonstrated promising results for PTSD treatment in military veterans by combining brain stimulation with virtual reality exposure therapy. The clinical trial showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms among participants who received low electrical current brain stimulation during virtual reality sessions designed to simulate warzone experiences.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·February 9, 2024·4 min readDaily Uplifts Boost Mood After Traumatic LossResearchers discovered that engaging in simple activities, termed "uplifts," can significantly enhance emotional well-being following the traumatic loss of a loved one. Analyzing daily diary surveys from 440 adults aged 50 to 85, the study identified that activities such as completing tasks, getting adequate sleep, and spending time with friends or family can improve mood, particularly on days when individuals feel older than their actual age.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 18, 2024·6 min readTrauma’s Impact on Memory: Sharper Recall After Negative EventsA new study uncovers a unique aspect of human memory: our ability to recall events is sharper after experiencing negative emotions. The researchers conducted experiments with participants who viewed images that elicited negative and neutral emotional responses.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 10, 2024·5 min readLink Between Smaller Cerebellum and PTSDNew research uncovered a significant association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a reduction in cerebellar volume. This study, one of the largest of its kind, demonstrates that individuals with PTSD have cerebellums that are approximately 2% smaller than those without the disorder.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 5, 2024·6 min readPsychoactive Ibogaine and Magnesium Show Promise for PTSDIbogaine, a plant-based psychoactive drug combined with magnesium, effectively reduces PTSD, anxiety, and depression in veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The study, involving 30 U.S. special forces veterans, showed significant and lasting improvements in mental health and functioning post-treatment.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 2, 2024·12 min readUnlocking the Brain’s Fear Code: Memory, Behavior, and the BrainResearchers investigate fear memories and their impact on behavior in various environments. Their study uncovers the concept of fear engrams, shedding light on the physical representation of memory in the brain.Read More