New drug may help troubled teens who have panic attacks

By Staff Writer

Children who experience a traumatic event may suffer bouts of anxiety if they encounter something that reminds them of the stress-inducing incident. This phenomenon is called fear conditioning, and a team of researchers at Emory University believe that they have discovered a drug that can alleviate these fearful responses.

The study, which appears in the American Journal of Psychiatry, examined the effects of a single dose of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone in mice that were previously exposed to a traumatic experience. By presenting the mice with aversive stimuli, researchers said that the drug, which is a type of flavonoid, suppressed their fearful responses.

Researchers found that 7,8-Dihydroxylflavone activated the TrkB receptors in the mice's brains, which enhanced their memories and learning capabilities. This chemical reaction limited the amount of panic and anxiety because the animals had become accustomed to the stimuli.

According to the study's authors, these results suggest that the drug may be helpful in treating individuals who have anxiety disorders, severe phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Adolescents who struggle with anxiety or other mental disorders may benefit from wilderness therapy, which is designed to provide help for troubled teens.