Having difficulty getting to sleep, in addition to ruminating about trauma experiences and other negative events before sleep, boosts the odds of sexual trauma survivors experiencing post-trauma nightmares. Read More
Higher doses of ketamine administered to sheep completely reduced brain activity for a short period. Researchers report as the drug wore off and consciousness was regained, the animals' brain activity switched between high and low-frequency oscillations. The timing of the brain activity corresponds to the time human users report experiencing feelings that their brain 'disconnected' from their bodies after ketamine use. Read More
Cannabis reduces the severity of symptoms by more than half in the short-term for people suffering from PTSD. Using cannabis reduces recurring thoughts of a traumatic event by 62%, flashbacks by 51%, irritability by 67%, and anxiety by 57% for those with PTSD. However, the reduction of symptoms is not permanent. Read More
People with PTSD tend to have higher expression of the SNRNP35 gene in their brains, and lower ZNF140 gene expression in their blood. Read More
New evidence suggests the brain can update poorly formed memories with incorrect information, leading to the creation of false memories. Read More
Strengthened amygdala pathways increase aggression in those who have experienced trauma. The findings could lead to new treatments for PTSD. Read More
Researchers discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the quality and content of people's dreams. The stress we are experiencing may be manifesting in our dream content as we sleep. Read More
Anandamide, an endogenous compound produced in the body, plays a role in reversing memories of traumatic events. The findings could lead to new treatments for PTSD. Read More
The ability to extinguish fear memories may rely on the flexibility of a person's DNA. Read More
Researchers have identified a brain circuit that drives physical response to emotional stress. The circuit begins in the dorsal peduncular cortex and dorsal tenia tecta, before sending signals to the hypothalamus. The findings could help with the development of treatments for panic disorders and PTSD. Read More
Using magnetic nanoparticles, researchers were able to stimulate the adrenal glands of rodents and control the release of stress-related hormones. The approach could be applied to humans to treat hormone-related disorders. Read More
Suicide survivors have higher pain tolerance and are less sensitive to bodily signals associated with their breathing and heart. Researchers found those who attempted suicide were able to tolerate the breath-hold and cold-pressor interoceptive challenges significantly longer than those who had no history of suicidal behavior. The interoceptive numbing was linked to lower brain activity in the insular cortex. Read More
