How Taking Methylene Blue After Therapy Affects Fear and Memory in Adults with Claustrophobia

https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13101407

This innovative randomized controlled trial examined the effects of low-dose methylene blue (260 mg or 4 mg/kg per day) on fear extinction in 42 subjects with claustrophobia. The researchers found that methylene blue administration improved fear extinction at one-month follow-up assessment, suggesting potential applications in treating anxiety disorders through memory consolidation mechanisms2.

Additionally, the treatment enhanced contextual memory independent of its effects on fear extinction. This study provides evidence that methylene blue may have applications in anxiety-related conditions through its effects on memory consolidation and fear processing, potentially offering a novel approach to augmenting exposure therapy outcomes for phobias and other anxiety disorders2.