Antibacterial eases phobia: TB drug plus virtual reality relieves fear of heights.
A common antibacterial drug has helped phobics to overcome their fear of heights. Combined with standard behavioural therapy, D-cycloserine (DCS) speeded recovery fourfold compared with therapy alone.
Apparently it works by aiding in the transmission of a protein to a brain receptor. Studies in rats show that this helps them to unlearn fear more quickly. Seems, according to this preliminary study, that it might work the same way in humans.
How long do they have to take it? I think I missed that part. If they stop taking it, does the phobia come back?
Good question! I didn’t see anything regarding it in the two articles I read. If I learn more, I’ll update the post.