We all know that experiencing trauma can have a significant impact with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but what about witnessing trauma? A new study researched just that, an area that represents as much as 30% of all PTSD cases.
The study from Virginia Tech researchers found that the brain experiences unique chemical changes when someone witnesses a traumatic event (vs. experiencing it firsthand). They say that the finding "could lead to more targeted treatments for PTSD."
The research was inspired by the collapse of a condominium in south Florida in 2021. People across the street who saw the impact of the fallen building began developing symptoms like nightmares, insomnia, and anxiety, even though they didn't live in the building or have any other connection to it.
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"We sought out to understand the brain mechanisms behind how that occurred," said Timothy Jarome, associate professor of neurobiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, who led the study.
The study discovered unique protein changes caused by fear stimulus for those who witness trauma. It also found sex-specific differences in how the male and female brain processes fear memories differently.
The research builds on previous work, such as a 2016 study published by the American Physiological Society about fear memory. That study determined that distinct brain regions are core to fear memories being processed and reversing the information flow in these brain structures is critical for PTSD treatment.
Another study on PTSD, published in 2023 by researchers at the University of California San Francisco, found that those suffering from moderate or severe PTSD who took MDMA, paired with psychotherapy sessions, were "about twice as likely to recover from their trauma as those who took a placebo."
If you've experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, it's best to work with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker or mental health counselor. They can provide the resources you need to work through this and the effects of PTSD. The National Center for PTSD is dedicated to helping veterans, but it can also be a helpful resource for anyone who may have gone through or witnessed trauma.
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