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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by nolvas on September 1, 2007, at 15:19:47
I am currently 'researching' fear extinction. The tuberculosis drug D-Cycloserine (also known as Seromycin) shows great promise in helping extinction of fear, as long as the person exposes themself to the fear.
Since it's not possible for me to obtain D-Cycloserine, I have looked at other alternatives. Yohimbe is one, perversely this is known to increase anxiety. However it looks interesting after reading articles such as this one >
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/yohimbine/research.html
Exposure to overwhelming fear is tough, however these two agents do seem to help a person get over the fear much quicker.
Posted by nolvas on September 1, 2007, at 15:24:33
In reply to Fear Extinction - things that work., posted by nolvas on September 1, 2007, at 15:19:47
Here's a very informative article regarding fear extinction and the two previously mentioned agents.
http://www.learnmem.org/cgi/content/full/11/2/125
Posted by Jimmyboy on September 4, 2007, at 17:47:36
In reply to Re: Fear Extinction - things that work., posted by nolvas on September 1, 2007, at 15:24:33
That is interesting, I actually have a supply of d-cycloserine and have been waiting to use it to get rid of a couple of disturbing panic situations I have. That article will be helpful for me to figure out the timing, etc. when I make myself go do the things I fear. I do not have a therapist, so I am proceeding to do this on my own, I hope it works. Good luck.
PS- I hat eto say this, but the only times I have tried yohimbine it has made me extremely anxious, I hope you have a different response
Posted by nolvas on September 4, 2007, at 20:20:36
In reply to Re: Fear Extinction - things that work. » nolvas, posted by Jimmyboy on September 4, 2007, at 17:47:36
I dont think I will try yohimbine at all. I am too panicky currently to take that.
I would be interested to see how your trial of cycloserine goes. It's not a magic cure or noticeably anxiolytic, it means if you face your fear your brain learns quicker that you are not in a threatening situation, and it seems from the limited trials that the brain learns quite a lot quicker. The problem is facing the fear, I believe everyone with panic/anxiety has to do this to fully overcome it. I'd rather do it as few times as possible though lol.
Btw are you in USA or UK or other country? I'm in UK and I'm pretty much resigned to never getting this drug sadly.
Does anyone know of any alternative supplements that have fear extinction properties. The only one that comes to mind is Ginkgo Biloba, although there are studies to suggest it can have fear enforcing properties as well.
Posted by Jimmyboy on September 4, 2007, at 23:06:14
In reply to Re: Fear Extinction - things that work., posted by nolvas on September 4, 2007, at 20:20:36
Yeah, i completely agree.. the faster I can get over these ridiculous phobia the better. Thats the funny thing, the logical part of your brain can know its absurd but your emotions are working on their own.
Im in the US and took a bunch of material I found on the net about cycloserine to my family doctor - who is a friend - and he relucantly gave me a scrip, basically because its harmless. I will keep you posted on how it goes.
JB
Posted by nolvas on September 5, 2007, at 2:24:24
In reply to Re: Fear Extinction - things that work., posted by Jimmyboy on September 4, 2007, at 23:06:14
Thanks, will be interesting to see what happens.
This is the end of the thread.
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