Using Neuronal Changes to Identify Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Using Neuronal Changes to Identify Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

            The topic of fear and extinction was discussed in both Reznikov et al and Herry et al. Reznikov et al focused on how fear and extinction play a role in post-traumatic stress disorders. Those suffering from PTSD have weaker extinction response which does not allow for the extinction response to properly occur. Herry et al discusses ways in which distinct neuronal changes occur in fear and extinction responses. The article identifies distinct neural changes that occur in both fear and extinction experiments and whether these neural circuits coincide or operate as different circuits.

            It was interesting to see both articles in the same week since the Herry et al article can lead to findings that will ultimately help the Reznikov et al article. The findings in Herry et al show that there is a noticeable increase in fear neurons during fear condition in the basal nuclei. Similarly there are extinction neurons that show slight reduction when during the extinction paradigm. With this knowledge it may be possible to understand why some individuals are more prone to post traumatic stress disorder than others. Using the findings from Herry et al, it can be possible that certain individuals are born with more fear neurons or more extinction neurons than others.

            The implications of these findings can mean better models for post-traumatic stress disorders and ultimately better treatment. As of now not many treatment options are available for post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to finding treatment options, it is possible that identifying the neuronal basis for fear extinction can lead to screen methods for individuals that are susceptible to PTSD. This can be used as preventative measures for those individuals who can take preemptive actions to avoid traumatic events. For existing post-traumatic stress disorders, these findings can serve to find the responsible neuro-elements that can aid in the extinction of fear.