"Uncovering the Brain's Fear Switch: Turning Off PTSD Responses"

Scientists at UC San Diego have discovered a neural mechanism in the brain that sustains fear in individuals with PTSD, leading to a generalized feeling of fear even in safe environments. By studying lab mice and postmortem human brains, they identified a neurotransmitter switch in the brainstem that allows for this generalized fear to persist. Injecting mice with a harmless virus to stop this switch and administering Prozac after a stressful event both appeared to halt the fear response. This research provides insights into potential interventions for PTSD and related disorders.