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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dessbee on December 11, 2006, at 8:49:45
A recent pilot study suggests that propranolol (Inderol - beta-adrenergic antagonist), administered after an acute traumatic event, have a preventive effect on the subsequent development of PTSD
People confronted by a life-threatening situation, such as a car accident or physical assault, react by releasing a rush of stress hormones, including adrenalin and noradrenalin, which are produced in the adrenal glands, located atop the kidneys. This response, known as "adrenergic activation," initiates the reactions that quicken the heart rate, constrict the vasculature to prevent bleeding to death, and provide energy to the muscles, priming the body to "fight, flee, or freeze." The hormonal flood also strengthens the brain’s ability to form and retain emotional memories.
Those likely to develop PTSD tend to have a pre-existing depression or anxiety disorder, or a family history of anxiety and neuroticism.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/22/60minutes/main2205629.shtml
http://www.innovations-report.de/html/berichte/studien/bericht-22740.html
Posted by nolvas on December 16, 2006, at 18:18:05
In reply to Propranolol - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, posted by dessbee on December 11, 2006, at 8:49:45
Adrenaline affects memory, a traumatic event is hard coded in to the brain. Extreme traumatic events cause permanent changes in the brain. It's the bodies way of surviving, you could argue though that it's screwed up by such traumatism. Beta blockers would interfere with the adrenaline system and the memory effect wouldn't happen.
Beta blockers are notoriously poor at stopping panic attacks though, so it seems they can be used as a preventative of development of serious anxiety disorders but once you have one they are of little use.
Posted by dessbee on December 17, 2006, at 9:40:20
In reply to Re: Propranolol - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, posted by nolvas on December 16, 2006, at 18:18:05
Interesting... as i understand it Beta blockers are only used to handle temporary crisis like stage fright for example.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blockers
In "60 minutes" one women claimed that propranolol cured her PTSD (sexual abuse in childhood) after only a few weeks treatment. But one never knows. Placebo effect is a powerful thing and studies so far have been small.
Posted by nolvas on December 18, 2006, at 15:54:02
In reply to Re: Propranolol - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, posted by nolvas on December 16, 2006, at 18:18:05
Here's an article that fits in nicely with this thread :) It also briefly describes how adrenaline acts on the amygdala which is involved with fear and memory.
http://www.acfnewsource.org/science/memory_pill.html
The title of the article is misleading though, still it wouldn't sound as good saying "Scientists use yesterdays medicine to reduce trauma".
Posted by nolvas on December 18, 2006, at 15:57:17
In reply to Re: Propranolol - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, posted by nolvas on December 18, 2006, at 15:54:02
Sorry for double post, found another article with some good further reading articles mentioned at the end.
http://www.memorylossonline.com/winter2005/unforgettable.html
This is the end of the thread.
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