scholarly journals (Re)contextualizing the Trauma to Prevent or Treat PTSD-Related Hypermnesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 247054702110210
Author(s):  
Aline Desmedt
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Memory ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Memory Processing ◽  
Traumatic Amnesia ◽  
Related Symptom ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Mixed Efficacy ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
Cardinal Feature

A cardinal feature of Post-traumatic stress-related disorder (PTSD) is a paradoxical memory alteration including both intrusive emotional hypermnesia and declarative/contextual amnesia. Most preclinical, but also numerous clinical, studies focus almost exclusively on the emotional hypermnesia aiming at suppressing this recurrent and highly debilitating symptom either by reducing fear and anxiety or with the ethically questionable idea of a rather radical erasure of traumatic memory. Of very mixed efficacy, often associated with a resurgence of symptoms after a while, these approaches focus on PTSD-related symptom while neglecting the potential cause of this symptom: traumatic amnesia. Two of our preclinical studies have recently demonstrated that treating contextual amnesia durably prevents, and even treats, PTSD-related hypermnesia. Specifically, promoting the contextual memory of the trauma, either by a cognitivo-behavioral, optogenetic or pharmacological approach enhancing a hippocampus-dependent memory processing of the trauma normalizes the fear memory by inducing a long-lasting suppression of the erratic traumatic hypermnesia.

scholarly journals Environmental enrichment prevents the late effect of acute stress-induced fear extinction deficit: the role of hippocampal AMPA-GluA1 phosphorylation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Santana Novaes ◽  
Letícia Morais Bueno-de-Camargo ◽  
Carolina Demarchi Munhoz
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Basolateral Amygdala ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Fear Memory ◽  
Fear Extinction ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Memory Extinction ◽  
Post Traumatic

AbstractThe persistence of anxiety and the deficit of fear memory extinction are both phenomena related to the symptoms of a trauma-related disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recently we have shown that single acute restraint stress (2 h) in rats induces a late anxiety-related behavior (observed ten days after stress), whereas, in the present work, we found that the same stress impaired fear extinction in animals conditioned ten days after stress. Fourteen days of environmental enrichment (EE) prevented the deleterious effect of stress on fear memory extinction. Additionally, we observed that EE prevented the stress-induced increase in AMPA receptor GluA1 subunit phosphorylation in the hippocampus, but not in the basolateral amygdala complex and the frontal cortex, indicating a potential mechanism by which it exerts its protective effect against the stress-induced behavioral outcome.

Neurologist, 1 year’s experience, USA

2020 ◽  
pp. 278-281
Author(s):  
Markus Reuber ◽  
Gregg H. Rawlings ◽  
Steven C. Schachter
Keyword(s):  
Inpatient Care ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Severe Malnutrition ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Healthcare ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Chronic Nausea

This chapter discusses how a neurologist started a Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) clinic. As an Epileptologist, the Neurologist would be best equipped to care for children and young adults who present with non-epileptic seizures. Patients with PNES often fall through the cracks because their condition lies between the land of Psychiatry and Neurology. The Neurologist hoped to serve patients with PNES who were lost in the gap between traditional Neurology and behavioral healthcare. Six months after its inception, a patient came to the newly established PNES clinic. The Neurologist learned from the chart review that the patient had been in inpatient Psychiatry care on more than one occasion several years prior. She had been treated for Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from repeated sexual and verbal abuse from a family member. Her somatic symptom–related disorder developed shortly after discharge from her first psychiatric inpatient care several years ago, which manifested as chest pain, dizziness, fainting, chronic nausea, chronic abdominal pain, eating disorder, severe malnutrition, headache, weakness, and PNES. The chapter then argues that each patient in the PNES clinic brings unique challenges that require a creative and individualized solution.

scholarly journals Neuromodulation Strategies in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: From Preclinical Models to Clinical Applications

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Gouveia ◽  
Darryl Gidyk ◽  
Peter Giacobbe ◽  
Enoch Ng ◽  
Ying Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Adequate Response ◽  
Lifetime Prevalence Rate ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
Deep Brain

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an often debilitating disease with a lifetime prevalence rate between 5–8%. In war veterans, these numbers are even higher, reaching approximately 10% to 25%. Although most patients benefit from the use of medications and psychotherapy, approximately 20% to 30% do not have an adequate response to conventional treatments. Neuromodulation strategies have been investigated for various psychiatric disorders with promising results, and may represent an important treatment option for individuals with difficult-to-treat forms of PTSD. We review the relevant neurocircuitry and preclinical stimulation studies in models of fear and anxiety, as well as clinical data on the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of PTSD.

scholarly journals Optogenetic sleep enhancement improves fear-associated memory processing following trauma exposure in rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Davis ◽  
William M. Vanderheyden
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Dark Phase ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Memory Processing ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
Post Traumatic

Abstract Sleep disturbances are commonly found in trauma-exposed populations. Additionally, trauma exposure results in fear-associated memory impairments. Given the interactions of sleep with learning and memory, we hypothesized that increasing sleep duration following trauma exposure would restore overall function and improve trauma-induced fear-associated memory dysfunction. Here, we utilized single prolonged stress, a validated rodent model of post-traumatic stress disorder, in combination with optogenetic activation of hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone containing cells to increase sleep duration. The goal of this work was to ascertain if post-trauma sleep increases are sufficient to improve fear-associated memory function. In our laboratory, optogenetic stimulation after trauma exposure was sufficient to increase REM sleep duration during both the Light and Dark Phase, whereas NREM sleep duration was only increased during the Dark Phase of the circadian day. Interestingly though, animals that received optogenetic stimulation showed significantly improved fear-associated memory processing compared to non-stimulated controls. These results suggest that sleep therapeutics immediately following trauma exposure may be beneficial and that post-trauma sleep needs to be further examined in the context of the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

scholarly journals Stress and dementia

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1235-1236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Doyle ◽  
David Dunt ◽  
Philip Morris
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Related Condition ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Traumatic Incident

The causes of dementia continue to be the subject of huge research efforts, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has recently gained attention as a possible contributor. PTSD is considered to be present if the sufferer develops persistent re-experiencing, avoidance and emotional numbing and symptoms of increased arousal not present before the sufferer was exposed to a traumatic incident. PTSD is now classified in DSM-5 as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder, unlike DSM-IV where it was previously categorized as an anxiety disorder, lending it more prominence now as a stress-related condition. However, it remains placed near the anxiety, obsessive compulsive and dissociative disorders in recognition of the close relationship with these other diagnoses. The nosology of PTSD is interesting as the symptoms can vary considerably. Some individuals with PTSD exhibit anxious or fear-based symptoms, while others can experience anhedonic, dysphoric, aggressive or dissociative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

scholarly journals Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Protection Against the Development of Memory Intrusions: a Prospective Trauma Analogue Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eline Voorendonk ◽  
Thomas Meyer ◽  
Sascha B. Duken ◽  
Vanessa van Ast
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Traumatic Memory ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Analogue Study ◽  
Post Traumatic

Intrusive and distressing memories are at the core of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been linked with improved mental health, emotion regulation, and memory function, CRF may, by promoting these capabilities, protect against the development of intrusions after trauma. We investigated this idea in 115 healthy individuals, using a trauma film to induce intrusions. As potential mediators, we assessed indices of pre-trauma mental health such as heart rate variability, subjective and psychobiological peri-traumatic responses, and memory. Critically, results showed that higher CRF was related to fewer intrusions, but no mediators emerged of the CRF-intrusion relationship. These results indicate that individuals displaying higher CRF are less prone to develop traumatic memory intrusions. This suggests that promoting fitness prior to possible trauma exposure may provide a useful strategy to boost resilience against the development of debilitating re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

scholarly journals Electroconvulsive Therapy with a Memory Reactivation Intervention for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor M. Tang ◽  
Kathleen Trought ◽  
Kristina M. Gicas ◽  
Mari Kozak ◽  
Sheena A. Josselyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Memory ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Memory Reactivation ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Post Traumatic

AbstractIntroductionPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often does not respond to available treatments. Memories are vulnerable to disruption during reconsolidation, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has amnestic effects. We sought to exploit this phenomenon as a potential treatment for PTSD with a clinical trial of patients with PTSD receiving ECT.MethodsTwenty-eight participants with severe depression with comorbid PTSD referred for ECT treatment were randomly assigned to reactivation of a traumatic or non-traumatic memory using script driven imagery prior to each ECT treatment. Primary outcomes were change in scores on the Modified PTSD Symptom Scale - Self Report (MPSS-SR) and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). Assessments were completed by blinded raters. Secondary outcomes included a comparison of the change in heart rate while listening to the script.ResultsTwenty-five patients who completed a post-ECT assessment were included in the analysis. No significant group differences were found in the MPSS-SR or CAPS-5 scores from pre-ECT to post-ECT or 3-month follow-ups. However, both groups improved at post-ECT and 3-month follow up. Partial eta squared estimates of effect size showed large effect sizes for all outcomes (η2 > 0.13). Changes in heart rate were not significantly different between groups or over time.ConclusionsIn this RCT, ECT paired with pre-treatment traumatic memory reactivation was not more effective for treating PTSD symptoms than ECT alone. While our primary hypothesis was not supported, our data provides further support for the efficacy of ECT for improving symptoms of PTSD with comorbid depression.ClinicalTrials.govhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04027452Identifier: NCT04027452

scholarly journals A-11 The Contribution of Psychological Stress to Adolescent Post-Concussive Symptoms Across Recovery

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 784-784
Author(s):  
T Tarkenton ◽  
C Presley ◽  
T Meredith-Duliba ◽  
T Caze ◽  
L Hynan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Sport Injury ◽  
Initial Visit ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Traumatic Amnesia ◽  
Ptsd Checklist ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Linear Regressions

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to explore whether less commonly explored injury factors account for variance in post-concussive symptoms across recovery. Method Participants aged 12–18 (n = 440) who reported to clinic within 14 days of concussion sustained in either sport injury, MVA, fall, or hit were selected from the ConTex registry. A PCS log, PHQ-8, and GAD-7 were completed at initial visit and 3-month follow-up. Separate hierarchical linear regressions determined predictors of PCS scores at both time points. Demographic, premorbid, injury, and psychological factors were entered in Step 1–4, respectively. A sample subset completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) at initial (n = 58) and 3-month visits (n = 27). Exploratory analyses added the PCL-5 to determine whether post-traumatic stress symptoms contributed to the model. Results At initial visit, sex, post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), PHQ-8, and GAD-7 significantly predicted PCS total scores (p < .001), accounting for 43% of the variance. At 3-month follow-up, PTA dropped out of the model, and psychiatric history and mechanism of injury became significant, explaining an additional 15% of the variance in PCS scores (R2 = .58, p < .001). In exploratory analyses, when PCL-5 scores were added to the final models, demographic, premorbid, and injury factors did not remain significant, and the PCL-5 significantly contributed to the variance in PCS scores at both initial (p = .01) and 3-month follow-up (p < .001). Conclusions Psychological stress and context of injury may be strong predictors of PCS in addition to demographic and premorbid factors. These findings warrant continued investigation of less explored injury factors contribution to initial mTBI presentation and recovery.

Emotional memory processing in post‐traumatic stress disorder affected Colombian youth

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivette Noriega ◽  
Elizabeth Trejos‐Castillo ◽  
Yoojin Chae ◽  
Liliana Calderon‐Delgado ◽  
Mauricio Barrera‐Valencia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Emotional Memory ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Memory Processing ◽  
Post Traumatic

A cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach for working with strong feelings of guilt after traumatic events

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Young ◽  
Zoe J. Chessell ◽  
Amy Chisholm ◽  
Francesca Brady ◽  
Sameena Akbar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
List Type ◽  
Traumatic Memory ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
New Information ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Imagery Techniques

Abstract This article outlines a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach to treating feelings of guilt and aims to be a practical ‘how to’ guide for therapists. The therapeutic techniques were developed in the context of working with clients with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, the ideas can also be used when working with clients who do not meet a diagnosis of PTSD but have experienced trauma or adversity and feel guilty. The techniques in this article are therefore widely applicable: to veterans, refugees, survivors of abuse, the bereaved, and healthcare professionals affected by COVID-19, amongst others. We consider how to assess and formulate feelings of guilt and suggest multiple cognitive and imagery strategies which can be used to reduce feelings of guilt. When working with clients with a diagnosis of PTSD, it is important to establish whether the guilt was first experienced during the traumatic event (peri-traumatically) or after the traumatic event (post-traumatically). If the guilt is peri-traumatic, following cognitive work, this new information may then need to be integrated into the traumatic memory during reliving. Key learning aims (1) To understand why feelings of guilt may arise following experiences of trauma or adversity. (2) To be able to assess and formulate feelings of guilt. (3) To be able to choose an appropriate cognitive technique, based on the reason for the feeling of guilt/responsibility, and work through this with a client. (4) To be able to use imagery techniques to support cognitive interventions with feelings of guilt.

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