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

Scientists at UC San Diego have discovered a neural "switch" in the brain that causes fear generalization in individuals with PTSD, leading to prolonged fear and anxiety even in safe environments. By studying lab mice and postmortem human brains, they found that a neurotransmitter switch in the brainstem sustains this generalized fear response. Injecting mice with a virus to stop this switch and administering Prozac after a stressful event effectively curtailed the fear reaction. This research provides insights into potential interventions for PTSD and related disorders.