#nmda receptors

[neurosciencenews]

Newly Discovered Neural Pathway Has Implications For Schizophrenia Treatment

Neuroscientists at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered a new signaling pathway that directly connects two major receptors in the brain associated with learning and memory -- the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (a7nAChR) - which has significance for current efforts to develop drugs to treat schizophrenia.

The research is in Neuron. (full access research)

[sybilsherbal]

NMDA receptors: you have them in your amygdala.

those receptors control fear-conditioning avoidance behaviour.

avoidance is key to maintaining phobias. blocking the NMDA receptors in the amygdala & the rest of the limbic system decreases your fear response & avoidance, thus reducing anxiety.

[sybilsherbal]

Anxiety: can be treated by blocking NMDA receptors (see melatonin; ketamine) ;

ashwagandha is a powerful treatment.

for social anxiety, aniracetam is very powerful.