New study into trauma being conducted at Exeter University (From Mid Devon Star)

New study into trauma being conducted at Exeter University

5:35pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News

A NEW study into the brain activity of people who have been through a traumatic event is being conducted at Exeter University - and they need your help.

Whether it's a motor vehicle accident, experiences of war, being attacked or a victim of crime, the sudden death of a loved one, a sudden medical illness or  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anyone who has been through a traumatic event can help.

Organisers are particularly interested in speaking to people  who develop stress reactions after their difficult experience in order to design a new treatment. 

A spokesman for the study said: "After experiencing a stressful life experience most people recover given time. However, others experience stress reactions that do not go away by themselves or even get worse as time goes on.

"People may find that they experience persistent bad memories, difficulty sleeping and isolation from other people which may begin to impact negatively on their life."

Participation involves a brief telephone conversation with a researcher, filling in some questionnaires at home and a one-off 1.5 hour visit to the University of Exeter where you will be asked to lie comfortably in an MRI scanner and complete some simple tasks whilst the scanner records your brain activity.

You will be reimbursed travel expenses, and be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £25 shopping vouchers.

Anyone who is interested in taking part should call 01392-725271 or email ati201@exeter.ac.uk