Extinction therapy is used to treat PTSD by conditioning the patient to make new, safe associations with the memory, thus deactivating it as a fear trigger. The problem with this therapy is that it forces the patient to recall the traumatic incident. Researchers are now working on a new approach where they will attempt to weaken the memories during sleep. In a recent study, mice were conditioned to feel fearful with the scent of jasmine. They were then injected with a protein synthesis inhibitor with an injection to the amygdala, the brain region that processes fear memories. The protein synthesis inhibitor proved capable of strengthening, and weakening the memories. The drug has not yet been tested on humans but may soon help victims of abuse, and war veterans recover their lives.
