Relationship Between Classical Conditioning and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Classical conditioning is pairing a neutral stimulus with a natural stimulus, and allowing the neutral stimulus to erect a physical response. Post traumatic stress disorder is the brain’s adoption of traumatic stimulus, and generalizing the cues to expand its effects. Current research has found through animal and human studies that PTSD can cause both behavioral and physical change to the patient, and can affect one’s ability to be further conditioned or learn. Patients often have trouble functioning in daily practices or advanced abilities. Exposure treatments and certain medications are able to re-alter brain structures and correct systematic responses created by the disorder. They, however, are still unable to explain some paradoxical observations and reactions. This essay explores the relationship between PTSD and classical conditioning, its physiological and behavioral effect on a subject, and the potential treatments available.