The reality of PTSD

After watching the movie Cherry, I saw an interesting but sad point of view on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The movie walks us from the storm of thoughts that invade the mind of the veteran and war hero to his insatiable quest to calm those thoughts.

The complexity of PTSD has its origin in one of the most basic foundations of neuroscience, that is “neurons that fire together, wire together.” The intense stimuli that trigger action potentials and are released simultaneously remain connected to each other. Our brain learns largely by association.

That song from 20 years ago that we listened to in the background and brings us a beautiful feeling and a memory about some person, has been connected to this memory from the first day, making the stimuli related to it. The musical stimulus and the people and emotions that arise at that moment remain associated with each other.

The point is, that our brain does not discriminate if these memories are positive or negative. The brain simply connects both stimuli and when one or the other arises, memories and sensations are triggered.

PTSD is the living example of the intensity of these stimuli and how a veteran continues to relive moments of crisis not only in his or her mind, but also impacting his or her physical health. We have to understand that these stimuli range from sounds, screams, risky situations, stress and other elements that activate these sensations.

Our brains don’t necessarily require those memories or stimuli to be accurately remembered; just looking or feeling alike is enough to trigger a response.

New ways to treat PTSD

Currently, pharmacology is the main therapy to work directly with the condition of PTSD. Innovators need to begin creating new solutions that minimize the strength and intensity of stimuli and memories in the minds of veterans. We need solutions that strengthen the ability of subjects to exert their inhibitory control, allowing them to self-regulate their thoughts and emotions. A holistic wellness approach could greatly help in improving the quality of life for our nation’s veterans and heroes.

Authors:
Dr. Joel Acevedo- Nieto,
Founder & CEO
Neuroscientist
Dr. Joel Acevedo- Nieto is the founder of Sharp Focus, a cognitive training platform for those who have difficulty concentrating. Joel’s concept uses a virtual reality interface that engages users by stimulating the prefrontal cortex via intentional eye movements.

During his childhood and adolescence, Joel had difficulty concentrating on daily tasks and school work. As a result, he lagged behind in many areas and struggled with low self-esteem. But with an exemplary background in neuroscience and psychology, Joel has earned several certifications in innovation and technology from MIT and Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Patricia Silveyra,
Co-Founder & CMO
Biochemist & STEM Scientist
Dr. Patricia Silveyra is a professor and physiologist with expertise in neuroendocrinology, molecular biology, and biomarker discovery. She is the former Director of the UNC Biobehavioral Laboratory, a core facility that focuses on biobehavioral science, physiological measurements, and instrumentation, and she is currently an Associate Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health. She has worked with multiple investigators in studies related to stress management, physical activity, addictions, and health disparities, and she has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and managed dozens of grants.
Joel Acevedo
Health Tech Innovator, Entrepreneur, and Professor. I’m the CEO of Sharp Focus VR. www.sharpfocusvr.com