Could targeting ‘extinction neurons’ help treat anxiety and PTSD?

Written by Alice Bough (Future Science Group)

Credit: University of Texas at Austin

Neuroscientists from the University of Texas at Austin (TX, USA) have identified a population of cells in the brain that are involved in the reoccurrence of fear memories. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, may improve our understanding of conditions such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Spontaneous recovery of fear memories can occur at any time and can cause much distress for people living with fear-based disorders such as anxiety, phobias and PTSD. “There is frequently a relapse of the original fear, but we know very little about the mechanisms,” commented Michael Drew (University of Texas at Austin)....

To view this content, please register now for access

It's completely free