BYU researchers testing new PTSD drug
Nov 10, 2023, 6:00 PM
FILE - Tablets of ibuprofen are arranged for a photograph in New York on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. Researchers at BYU are testing a series of drugs that they hope could prevent the effects of PTSD before stressful events even happen. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)
PROVO, Utah — Researchers at BYU are testing a series of drugs that they hope could prevent the effects of PTSD before stressful events even happen.
BYU neuroscience professor Jeff Edwards is at the center of the research. He told KSL NewsRadio that PTSD happens when a person’s memory adapts to stressful events.
“Your memory is too strong on this thing to the point where when you recall it, you actually think you’re back in the environment when you’re really not,” he said.
He wanted to see if it was possible to block the effect of adrenaline and cortisol, which are the hormones that create PTSD symptoms in the brain.
“We’re inhibiting this . . . maladaptive form of memory change that occurs,” Edwards said.
Edwards and his team said rats that got the drugs reacted much less strongly to stress triggers. He’s hopeful this could help veterans and military members or first responders if the medications are eventually approved for people.
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