PTSD tagged posts

Previous experiment (a) When Dnmt3a2 is overexpressed in aged mice, it improves memory formation. (b) Conversely, when Dnmt3a2 is artificially reduced in young mice by shRNA-mediated knockdown, this is sufficient to disrupt memory formation. These results demonstrate the requirement for Dnmt3a2 in hippocampus-dependent memory formation.

Research findings could lead to new treatment for anxiety disorders including PTSD. Mouse experiments showed that the Dnmt3a2 protein can boost memory performance in the animals. Because this protein also affects fear memory and the ability to erase bad memories, the researchers hope these findings can be used to develop new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of anxiety.

In an earlier study, the Heidelberg scientists learned that ...

Glass half full or half empty? What you see may depend in part on the size of your orbitofrontal cortex. Optimistic people also tend to be less anxious, research finds. Credit: Graphic by Julie McMahon

A new study finds healthy adults who have larger OFCs tend to be more optimistic and less anxious. Anxiety disorders afflict roughly 44 million people in the U.S. These disorders disrupt lives and cost an estimated $42-$47 billion annually.

The orbitofrontal cortex, a brain region located just behind the eyes, is known to play a role in anxiety. The OFC integrates intellectual and emotional information and is essential to behavioral regulation. Previous studies have found links between the size of a person’s OFC and his or her susceptibility to anxiety...