BETA BLOCKERS MAY TAKE THE TERROR OF DISTURBING MEMORIES

BETA BLOCKERS MAY TAKE THE TERROR OF
DISTURBING MEMORIES

Widely used heart medications,beta blocker
propranolol, may take the terror out of disturbing
memories in people with post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), researchers report.

In two small studies, use of propranolol during a
PTSD attack appeared to help separate the fear
that's characteristic of PTSD from the memory
that once triggered it. Researchers were able to
reduce the [emotional] intensity of traumatic
memories by giving people propranolol for the
first 10 days or so after an accident. However,
PTSD is rather rare, with less than 10 percent of
accident victims experiencing the recurrent
flashbacks, isolation and avoidant behaviors that
are hallmarks of the condition.

The beta blocker does not erase or diminish the
memory. But, it may work to reduce
memory-associated fear through their effects on
hormones linked to fear and arousal. During or
after a PTSD attack, are released in our body to
make the memory stronger and more intense.
Beta blocker blocks adrenergic receptor that
adrenalin hormones work. Theoretically, by
blocking this hormonal response during
memory-evoked PTSD attacks, individuals can
still remember the triggering event without its
attendant panic and fear.

Source: Heart Drugs Could Ease Trauma
Memories HealthDay News July 29 2005