Taiwan develops anti-fear drugs

Taiwan researchers have discovered the mechanism of action of animal fear. And in the last 3 years, they are developing a drug that suppresses this condition to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

(Photo: planet)

PTSD is a condition of stress disorder after injuries such as war, life-threatening accident, rape, torture . It includes typical symptoms such as chaotic memory, frequent nightmares and obsession with shocking events. Patients become highly alert to people around them and appear too anxious when certain details recall the past.

Gean Po-wu, a professor of pharmacology at Cheng Kung University School of Medicine, explains the fear that occurs when the senses of amino acids on the cell surface work. If an inhibitor can stop the activity of these receptors, the feeling of fear will dissipate.

Currently, cognitive behavioral therapy is the main method for treating people with post-traumatic stress disorder, but this approach is limited in that it cannot erase horrible memories, Gean said. With an inhibitor of amino acid receptors, it will probably eliminate feelings of fear. According to Gean, combining these two therapies will increase the effectiveness of treatment.

T. An