D-cycloserine helps relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder

Scientists have found that D-cycloserine enhances the therapeutic efficacy of existing treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common life event. The first line of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder is exposure therapy, which is to expose patients to their fears in a safe environment. Although this is an effective treatment, there are still many post-treatment symptoms, so the success rate is not high.

       In an effort to improve existing treatments, a new study published this week in the journal Biological Psychiatry tested previous treatment hypotheses in animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders. They explored whether neuronal plasticity can be promoted by using D-cycloserine (DCS), which allows the brain circuit to be better remodelled. The drug is not directly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

       To test this, the researchers recruited patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, and all received 10 weeks of exposure therapy. They were randomly assigned to D-cycloserine or placebo. The researchers evaluated the severity of symptoms before and after treatment.

       All patients had relief from exposure therapy symptoms, regardless of whether they used DCS or a placebo. However, DCS can enhance the effectiveness of exposure therapy in certain types of patients. These people have more severe post-traumatic stress disorder and require longer treatment before symptoms are improved.

       Finally, the researchers concluded that additional research is necessary and that it is necessary to explore whether this combination (exposure therapy and D-cycloserine) can be an effective treatment for the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.