prefrontal cortex which is involved with emotional regulation. (Bremner,.

             JD. 1999) Additional research has found that people with PTSD have.

             a definite decrease in the size of their hippocampus. This area of the brain.

             has also been found to be extremely sensitive to stressors, and is easily.

             damaged when there a person goes through a trauma. The damage is a result.

             of very high levels of cortical released in the body as a result of stress and.

             trauma. This damage causes long lasting changes to the memory and learning.

             ability of the person with PTSD. .

             Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images show an average five to eight.

             percent decrease in the volume of the hippocampus in the person with PTSD.

             There is also evidence of changes in short term recall memory, verbal.

             declarative memory, and non declarative memory. Declarative memory being.

             lists, life events, ande things that we can "declare" happened.

             Non-declarative memories are the things we have learned to do but have.

             little control over, such as habits or skills we have developed through.

             the years. (Schiraldi, G. 2009). Though these changes may seem small to.

             the average person, they are monumental to those struggling with PTSD.

             However, with the endless research going on, there is a glimmer hope on.

             the horizon.

             .

             New research in animal studies, as well as a small test group of.

             patients with PTSD has shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

             (SSRI's) promote the development of new nerves and even can reverse the.

             decreased sized of the hippocampus, and long term treatment with paroxetine.

             reverses stress-induced damage and improvement with verbal declarative.

             memory function as well. (Vermetten, E. & Vythilingam. M, 2003).

             .

             I wanted to research this topic since Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

             has become a disease of our times. What was once only referred to as.

             "shell shock" and was originally believed to affect only those who had been.

             in war, is now an every-day disorder many of my close childhood friends now.