- Feb 5, 2002
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Scientists could be a step closer to finding a way to reduce the impact of traumatic memories, according to a new study.
Stephen Maren, professor of psychological and brain sciences at Texas A&M University, said the group’s findings suggest that procedures used by clinicians to indirectly reactivate traumatic memories render a window whereby those memories can be altered, or even erased completely.
In therapy, imaginal reminders are often used to safely retrieve traumatic memories of experiences. For example, Maren said a military veteran wounded by an improvised explosive device may be asked to re-experience trauma cues—like the lights and sounds of the explosion—without the negative consequences. The idea is that the fear responses can be dampened through this exposure therapy.
Continued below.
Researchers Find They Can Weaken Fear Memories, a Discovery That Could Help Treat Trauma
Stephen Maren, professor of psychological and brain sciences at Texas A&M University, said the group’s findings suggest that procedures used by clinicians to indirectly reactivate traumatic memories render a window whereby those memories can be altered, or even erased completely.
In therapy, imaginal reminders are often used to safely retrieve traumatic memories of experiences. For example, Maren said a military veteran wounded by an improvised explosive device may be asked to re-experience trauma cues—like the lights and sounds of the explosion—without the negative consequences. The idea is that the fear responses can be dampened through this exposure therapy.
Continued below.
Researchers Find They Can Weaken Fear Memories, a Discovery That Could Help Treat Trauma
