Joe Bloggs

Cure that phobia

Science. Wonderful innit! Give them enough time and the scientists will come up with a cure for almost anything. Or recycle an old drug for a different ailment. So, now you can cure your phobias by using a drug that is already on the market for tuberculosis. The medication, D-cycloserine, "causes changes to the amygdala, the part of the brain involved in learning and memory. It involves a protein that appears to kick-start a chain of neuro chemical events that enable people to relearn what makes them scared." All of that sound pretty good, but there does appear to be an important proviso: 'It should help you get over whatever it is you are afraid of, as long as you face up to your fear.' The fact is a lot of people are very happy with their phobias. I used to think that I liked dogs, but was just scared of them. I have long come to the conclusion that I don't like them and am very comfortable with my fear of all animals. Of course, the discovery will mean a great deal to those afflicted with truly debilitating fears, but I'll pass on this one thanks.