Conclusion

Topic: Treatment for PTSD

Purpose: To invite.

Specific purpose: To invite my audience consider the implications of an experimental treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Thesis: In this speech I will invite you to weigh the advantages of an experimental treatment called propranolol as well as some disadvantages of using propranolol and finally consider your opinions on the treatment.

Introduction:

1. Attention: Joe saw the horrifying events of active combat during his time in the Army. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t leave behind the memories – like the horrifying sight of Gary, a close friend, who was blown-up by a land-mine. Even after Joe returned to civilian life, these images haunted him. Scenes from battle would run repeatedly through his mind and disrupt his focus on work. The smell of diesel, or loud noises like a backfiring engine would startle him. Joe was almost entirely unable to relax and sleep at night.
2. Reveal topic: According to the VA Healthcare, 2.7 Million Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Theatre, just like Joe, suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I became interested in possible treatment when I heard about Propranolol being used as an experimental drug in my Psychology class.

• Credibility: I found several studies being conducted around the world. I gathered information from Texas A&M University, 60 Minutes, and The Atlantic. IV.

1. Preview: Now that I have researched about this topic I will share with you my findings and ask you to weigh the advantages of an experimental treatment called propranolol as well as some disadvantages of using propranolol and finally consider your own opinions on the treatment.

Body:

1. Propranolol, an experimental drug has been used successfully in treating PTSD.
   1. Texas A&M University reported on findings that a common drug may help dampen fears “Patients with PTSD have trouble learning to suppress fearful memories of their traumas,” says Stephen Maren, professor of psychology at Texas A&M University. Propranolol, the drug used in the study, is a beta blocker that is also used to treat angina, irregular heartbeat, and other heart conditions.”
   2. The Atlantic reported on a study conducted by Dr. Roger Pitman, a Harvard psychiatrist who directs the PTSD and Psychophysiology Laboratory at the Massachusetts General Hospital reported in Biological Psychiatry that” patients treated with propranolol in the emergency room hours after a physical trauma, like an auto accident, were much less likely to show physical reactions to recalling their experience three months later. Here the treatment appeared to reduce the formation of new memories.”
   3. In a report by 60 Minutes, one of the first subject in one of these studies was Kathleen Logue, a paralegal, who had been knocked down in the middle of a busy Boston street by a bicyclist, three months after her treatment she showed no signs of PTSD. Whereas many who received a placebo still suffered from symptoms. The findings show promising results at preventing PTSD from setting in when administered to patients shortly after the incident. This could drastically change the statistics not only for military personnel but also civilian Emergency Rooms.

(transition) While it may seem like a medical miracle to finally have a cure for PTSD, there are also some potential hazards to the use of propranolol.

1. There are also serious negative implications.
   1. In the same report by 60 Minutes, after receiving funding for a large scale study by the National Institutes of Health, the President’s Committee on BioEthics condemned the study saying, “Our memories make us who we are…rewriting memories pharmacologically risks undermining our true identity.” They argue that changing a person’s memory is in effect the same as changing the person themselves.
   2. David Magnus, Ph. D, Director of Stanford University’s Center for Biomedical Ethics, says he worries it won’t just be trauma victims trying to dull painful memories. He points out that drug companies would want as many people as possible to be diagnosed with this condition and would be looking for the widest possible use of the drug. “If I embarrass myself at a party Friday night and can take a pill, then I’m not going to have to avoid making a fool of myself at parties.”
   3. He claims that our breakups, relationships and although sometimes painful experiences teach us and make us who we are. People will no longer have to face up to their fears and can use this treatment as a “crutch.”

(transition) Now that we have considered both advantages and disadvantages to the use of propranolol, I would like to hear your thoughts.

Dialogue/Discussion:

1. 1. Question 1: What are some other implications of using a drug like this to suppress memories?
   2. Question 2: What kinds of issues would be faced if people found a way to use this drug as a “crutch?”
   3. Question 3: What factors do you think should determine whether experimental treatments are allowed?

(transition) I know there are many more questions that we could discuss, but I would like to thank all of you for your thoughts in this discussion.

Conclusion:

1. Summary: We have examined some advantages of propranolol, the disadvantages of propranolol, and we have considered some of the deeper philosophical questions, and discussed some additional benefits and potential risks of using propranolol.
2. Closing: Hopefully you will never have to suffer through a traumatic episode, but if you ever do find yourself in a situation where you need to decide if a treatment like this is right for you, I hope our discussion will help you decide what is best for you.

References:

Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office Of Public Health, Post-Deployment Health Group. Report on Health Care Utilization among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans FY2002-FY2014 (n.d.): n. pag. Jan. 2015. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/epidemiology/healthcare-utilization-repo rt-fy2014-qtr4.pdf >.

Henton, Lesley, Texas A&M. “Common Drug May Help PTSD Patients Dampen Fear – Futurity.” Futurity. Texas A & M University, 13 July 2015. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.futurity.org/blood-pressure-drug-ptsd-fear-957702/>.

LAVINE, ROBERT. “Ending the Nightmares: How Drug Treatment Could Finally Stop PTSD.” The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/ending-the-nightmares-how -drug-treatment-could-finally-stop-ptsd/252079/>.

60 Minutes. N.p., 2010. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeQBrMkVzHU >