Researchers have identified a brain circuit that may explain why severe stress interferes with the brain’s ability to suppress traumatic memories, a key feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found that stress activates the locus coeruleus, which disrupts activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex through the amygdala, impairing fear extinction—the process that helps people overcome traumatic memories. Blocking specific beta receptors in the amygdala restored this ability in animal models, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy. The findings also indicate that the timing of exposure therapy is crucial, as administering it too soon after trauma may reduce its effectiveness.
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