[Open Eyes]

I came across this article about PTSD and what is being discovered in research. I think it's important to know that there are studies taking place all the time when it comes to understanding PTSD and find better treatments to bring relief.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-...d-anxiety.html

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Open Eyes

I came across this article about PTSD and what is being discovered in research. I think it's important to know that there are studies taking place all the time when it comes to understanding PTSD and find better treatments to bring relief.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-...d-anxiety.html

That's a little above my head. But for those who understand it ...it may be interesting. Was there any thought of how to change that thought process? Or did I miss that?

[Open Eyes]

My understanding of the article and findings Trace is that they have discovered that when the brain experiences a trauma/threat a change takes place in the brain where if a reminder is presented the brain doesn't produce the chemical that reduces the sense of urgency the reminder triggers. By understanding what actually happens in the brain we can look for ways to reduce the level of stress experienced by the individual so they can function better without "reacting" to reminders as if the danger is a threat in the "now".

This is something "IMO" that takes place to ensure survival as well as a desire to sound an alarm and focus on the danger in an effort to find ways to overcome that danger better.

With human beings however, this can be a lot more complex simply because we have evolved into complex intelligent beings compared to other mammals and life forms.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Open Eyes

My understanding of the article and findings Trace is that they have discovered that when the brain experiences a trauma/threat a change takes place in the brain where if a reminder is presented the brain doesn't produce the chemical that reduces the sense of urgency the reminder triggers. By understanding what actually happens in the brain we can look for ways to reduce the level of stress experienced by the individual so they can function better without "reacting" to reminders as if the danger is a threat in the "now".

This is something "IMO" that takes place to ensure survival as well as a desire to sound an alarm and focus on the danger in an effort to find ways to overcome that danger better.

With human beings however, this can be a lot more complex simply because we have evolved into complex intelligent beings compared to other mammals and life forms.

I understand that but is the answer to re-wire the brain with therapy? Does the damage correlate with age? Is the damage worse if you experience the trauma early in life, opposed to later? That would have to be some pretty intense stuff to change the firing pattern of the brain.

Thank you for sharing the article. Like another poster commented, I didn't understand the medical terminology but I did get the basics as you described in your clarifying post. It was similar to other research I've read on the subject (the basics anyways). Hopefully the stuff I don't understand is detailing a miracle treatment about to emerge. Overcoming my anxiety, PTSD responses could help me emotionally, physically and socially. A game changer. Klonopin helps but can't take that more than a couple weeks due to safety so I hope whatever treatment they discover is helpful without all the potentially dangerous side effects we have with current medicines which treat this problem. New discovering mean new hope so thanks for sharing some hope with us.

[Open Eyes]

I think the human brain is set up so that we are impacted by "threats" and traumatic events so we talk about it and warn and study so we can learn more but that we also seek change in order to find a sense of safety. If we are left feeling a huge desire of prevention we are more likely to look for reasons why these traumatic situations occur so we can do more to prevent them.

This study is taking place in an effort to understand what is taking place that makes PTSD so challenging. Something was recognized, something we had not understood before, this means we have something more to focus on and perhaps with that find some kind of medication or treatment that can reduce the symptoms, and part of that may include therapies that "yes" help a patient slowly rewire their brain so the symptoms are not so debilitating.

Human beings are learning beings and we most definitely learn our entire lives. We learn by doing and practicing and human beings are very malleable. So, in that we have a tendency to follow along with ideas of what structure is best to live by. We like things that are repetitive and predictable. When something takes place that disrupts that, it can create a lot of disturbance in our sense of having the predictability we have become accustomed to.

[Open Eyes]

. Klonopin helps but can't take that more than a couple weeks due to safety

I keep Klonopin on hand in case I experience a trigger where I struggle to a point where I get to be in too much pain. I try very hard to "not" use it and work through something on my own if I can. But if I have too many days of hurting I will take a Klonopin and that significantly helps reduce the physical pain I experience. Klonopin is not good to take on a regular basis, it's a sedative and a depressant and because it is a depressant it can increase depression which is not good and it's also a medication that can become addictive and can be very hard to stop taking. I personally only use it sparingly and I only take .05mg tablet and that lasts around 8 hours. A prescription will last me a year so as I mentioned, I only use it when I get overwhelmed and experience a lot of pain down my arms and across my chest.

IMO, the secret to using that drug is not to use it every day as a crutch or to be constantly numbed.

Of-course, it's important to make sure you consult with someone who is a treatment specialist and it doesn't hurt to read about whatever you are taking.

Increased levels of neuropeptide Y are well-known to produce anxiety-relieving effects. In contrast, the levels of neuropeptide Y are reduced in people with PTSD and other anxiety disorders

What they need to discover is something that can help to restore the ability to increase levels of neuropeptide Y. They have also been studying to see what therapies may help with restoring the levels of neuropeptide that may not include drug treatment.