From PLoS ONE, this is an interesting article on how emotional numbing in those experiencing PTSD reduces neural activity in exposure to happy faces. This study provides initial evidence that individuals with PTSD have lower reactivity to happy facial expressions, and that lower activation in ventral striatal-limbic reward networks may be associated with symptoms of … Read more
Two new studies hit the news this on Wednesday, both of which involve changing the emotional impact of memories. The first was a joint project between MIT and Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers. We’ll start with the press release from MIT, a study that uses optogenetics (light stimulation) to alter emotional connections with memories: Neuroscientists … Read more
Via Scientific American Mind. Dr. Pace studies biological mechanisms linking psychological stress to illness, and novel ways to combat stress to promote optimal health. He is Assistant Professor in the Colleges of Nursing and Medicine (Department of Psychiatry) at the University of Arizona, and also the director of the Arizona Stress and Health Collaboratory (based … Read more
Below is another of the articles from the Epigenetic pathways in PTSD: how traumatic experiences leave their signature on the genome, a research topic collection from Frontiers in Molecular Psychiatry. One of things therapists see often, and survivors of trauma are no doubt aware, is that memories of stressful events seem to be more powerful … Read more
This is interesting, and it confirms a growing trend I have seen in aboriginal peoples seeking to return to the spiritual traditions that once nourished their people. One of the best books I have seen on the subject is Healing the Soul Wound: Counseling with American Indians and Other Native Peoples (2006) by Eduardo … Read more