Doxycycline a common antibiotic and a placebo were applied in 76 healthy volunteers in a pre-registered, placebo-controlled, and double-blind randomized controlled trial to assess PTSD. The results of the trial showed that the fear response is 60 percent lower in participants who took doxycycline compared to those who has a placebo.
The study was pioneered by Professor Dominik Bach. According to Science Daily, PTSD transcribed as post-traumatic stress disorder is a term for a wide range of psychological symptoms that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a fearful and traumatic event. The disorder is induced by overactive fear memory as doxycycline as was shown in the research significantly reduced the fear factor without affecting cognitive functions.
The new research regarding PTSD is a proof to the theory of matrix enzymes as stated by Professor Bach. Matrix enzymes help in the creation of memories, however, their reactivity has been linked to immune diseases and cancers. Doxycycline is a clinically approved drug used to inhibit these matrix enzymes and as such the researchers tried to use the drug in the trial for the trauma disorder.
The results of the study can be regarded as; since matrix enzyme is responsible for new memories and PTSD is induced by traumatic memory, doxycycline as an approved drug in inhibiting the enzyme is directly related to the treatment of the disorder. Currently, as stated in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are two types on how the disorder is treated.
PTSD can be managed through medication and psychotherapy. Counseling is the major goal of psychotherapy including; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Some medications used in depression have also shown improvement in individuals suffering from the disorder such as serotonin inhibitors.
PTSD can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness rather a result of a traumatic event. Stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to the disorder while social bond and being optimistic will prevent it to occur.
