Study findings published in the journal Nature Neuroscience suggest that the beta-blocker propranolol may significantly weaken fear responses associated with traumatic experiences. Lead author Merel Kindt explained that “our findings may have important implications for the understanding and treatment of persistent and self-perpetuating memories in individuals suffering from emotional disorders.”

As part of the study, researchers artificially created a fearful memory in 60 volunteers. The next day, participants were randomized to receive either propranolol or placebo before being made to re-experience the fearful memory, and were assessed for “startle response” by measuring how strongly they blinked. Results showed that those given propranolol experienced a significantly decreased startle response, compared with placebo.

Kindt noted “This shows it is possible to weaken the underlying memory by interfering with it.” However, Neil Burgess of the UK’s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience remarked that current findings merely demonstrate that the drug lessens a person’s startle response. Kindt said that the next steps would involve testing the treatment in people who are suffering from some kind of disorder or phobia.

Source: FirstWord

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