Figure 2

Schematic illustration of the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) focusing on modulating the consolidation of fear memory through neurogenesis by omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. The strength and regulation of fear memory is affected by many factors both before and after the fearful and traumatic event occurs. Genetic and environmental factors as well as brain function and structure are associated with the risk of such an experience. Acquired memories undergo a period of consolidation, in which they shift from a labile state to a more permanent state. Memories are initially dependent on the hippocampus, but hippocampal dependency progressively decays over time, a process that is associated with a gradual increase in dependency on an extra-hippocampal region such as neocortex (solid arrows and box). We propose that promoting adult neurogenesis by omega-3 fatty acid supplementation early in the transition period might facilitate clearance of fear memory from the hippocampus and consequently minimize PTSD symptoms (dotted arrows and box).