Study Links Brain Plasticity to Recovery from PTSD in Terror Attack Survivors

New research reveals how changes in brain mechanisms can aid recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder, offering hope for improved therapies.

The Inserm-led 'Remember' study analyzed brain activity in survivors of the November 2015 Paris attacks to understand resilience to PTSD.
Researchers identified that the hippocampus, a brain region tied to memory, shows atrophy in PTSD patients but can recover through brain plasticity.
The study found that survivors who overcame PTSD exhibited normalized memory control mechanisms, reducing intrusive memories and symptoms.
Approximately 20% of trauma survivors develop chronic PTSD, but findings suggest therapeutic potential in targeting brain circuits for recovery.
Future therapies may focus on enhancing brain plasticity without re-triggering traumatic emotions, providing a new path for PTSD treatment.