PTSD Neurogenesis and Clearance of Fear Memory

[HysteryDiagnosis]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21303552

Biopsychosoc Med. 2011 Feb 8;5:3.
Clearance of fear memory from the hippocampus through neurogenesis by omega-3 fatty acids: a novel preventive strategy for posttraumatic stress disorder?
Matsuoka Y.
Source

Department of Adult Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan. [e-mail].
Abstract

Not only has accidental injury been shown to account for a significant health burden on all populations, regardless of age, sex and geographic region, but patients with accidental injury frequently present with the psychiatric condition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prevention of accident-related PTSD thus represents a potentially important goal. Physicians in the field of psychosomatic medicine and critical care medicine have the opportunity to see injured patients in the immediate aftermath of an accident.

This article first briefly reviews the prevalence and associated factors of accident-related PTSD, then focuses on a conceptual model of fear memory and proposes a new, rationally hypothesized translational preventive intervention for PTSD through promoting hippocampal neurogenesis by omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. The results of an open-label pilot trial of injured patients admitted to the intensive care unit suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation immediately after accidental injury can reduce subsequent PTSD symptoms.

PMID:
21303552

PMCID: PMC3045887

Free PMC Article

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21846343
BMC Psychiatry. 2011 Aug 16;11:132.
Attenuating posttraumatic distress with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids among disaster medical assistance team members after the Great East Japan Earthquake: the APOP randomized controlled trial.
Matsuoka Y, Nishi D, Nakaya N, Sone T, Hamazaki K, Hamazaki T, Koido Y.
Source

Department of Psychiatry, National Disaster Medical Center, 3256 Midoricho, Tachikawa 190-0014, Japan. [e-mail]
Abstract
BACKGROUND:

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, the most powerful ever recorded in Japan, and a massive tsunami struck off the coast of the Sanriku region. A Disaster Medical Assistance Team, a mobile medical team with specialized training that is deployed during the acute phase of a disaster, was dispatched to areas with large-scale destruction and multiple injured and sick casualties.

Previous studies have reported critical incident stress (i.e. posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and depressive symptoms) among rescue workers as well as the need for screening and prevention for posttraumatic stress disorder. So far we have shown in an open trial that posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in critically injured patients can be reduced by taking omega-3 fatty acids intended to stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis.

METHOD/DESIGN:
This study is designed to determine the effectiveness of attenuating posttraumatic distress with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids among Disaster Medical Assistance Team members after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and is named the APOP randomized controlled trial which is currently ongoing. First, we will provide psycho-education on posttraumatic distress, which is common in responders to the Disaster Medical Assistance Team members deployed to the disaster area.

Second, observational research will be conducted to evaluate critical incident stress following the completion of medical activities. Third, team members who provide consent to participate in the intervention research will be randomly divided into a group given an omega-3 fatty acid supplement and a group not given the supplements. Outcome will be evaluated at 12 weeks after the supplements are shipped to the team members.
DISCUSSION:

Measures that address critical incident stress in disaster responders are important, but there is no substantial evidence that links such measures with prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder. Thus, any confirmation through this study that the intake of omega-3 fatty acid supplements serves as a simple preventative measure for critical incident stress will be of great significance.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000005367.

[MineralMan]

1. Pilot trials and proposed trials are very good.

What your post demonstrates is that the scientific medical community is actively engaged in the process of discovery with regard to Omega-3 fatty acids. I hope the extended trials show a benefit and define who will benefit. That's the reason for the research, which is still ongoing. For those who wish to do so, Omega-3 supplements are readily available to try on a personal level.

Thanks for posting this information and for not making any comments about it. Recommended.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. I can comment if I want. n/t

[LeftishBrit]

2. k&r; an interesting study