Paris attacks: Clinical trial to treat PTSD in terrorism victims begins in France

Paris attacks: Clinical trial to treat PTSD in terrorism victims begins in France
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/paris-attacks-clinical-trial-treat-ptsd-terrorism-victims-begins-france-1555019

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Victims of the recent Paris attacks have been offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial, aimed at treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will be conducted in partnership by the Greater Paris University Hospitals and a Canadian team, which has designed an innovative cure based on the use of beta blockers.

Prof Alain Brunet, from McGill University, is in charge of the trial and has studied the effect of a drug called propanol for the last 12 years. This beta blocker is usually recommended for patients with hypertension. In different publications, the psychiatrist showed that blocking the action of neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which plays a role in the regulation of negative emotions, could be effective in as much as 65% of patients with PTSD.

Brunet says that the drug, combined with speech therapy, can make the scariest memories appear less violent, and eventually dissipate.