scholarly journals Inducing Amnesia for Unwanted Memories through Subliminal Reactivation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijian Zhu ◽  
Michael Anderson ◽  
Yingying Wang
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Innocent Bystander ◽  
Hippocampal Function ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Retrieval Cues ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Traumatic Memories ◽  
Cognition And Emotion ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Induced Forgetting

Traumatic memories contribute to psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias. Treatment of these disorders may benefit from techniques that reduce the accessibility of unwanted memories and their impact on cognition and emotion. Procedures such as retrieval suppression, associative interference, and reconsolidation disruption, though effective in inducing forgetting, involve exposure to the traumatic event, which is aversive and carries risks to the patient. But is explicit awareness of traumatic content truly necessary for effective voluntary forgetting? Recently, intentionally suppressing (i.e., stopping) retrieval of a memory in response to a reminder has been shown to temporarily interrupt hippocampal function. Disrupting hippocampal function through retrieval suppression induces an amnesic shadow that impairs the encoding and stabilization of unrelated “innocent bystander” memories that are activated near in time to people’s effort to suppress retrieval. Building on this mechanism, we successfully disrupted retention of unpleasant memories by subliminally reactivating them within this amnesic shadow window (on 88 participants across two experiments). Following the characteristics of retrieval suppression, the amnesic shadow disrupted memory for the subliminally reactivated events and induced forgetting that generalized across retrieval cues. Critically, whereas unconscious forgetting occurred on these affective “innocent bystander” memories, the amnesic shadow itself was induced by conscious suppression of unrelated and benign neutral memories, avoiding direct conscious re-exposure of unwelcome content. Combining the amnesic shadow with subliminal reactivation may offer a new approach to forgetting trauma that bypasses the unpleasantness in conscious exposure to unwanted memories.

scholarly journals An Efficient System for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: A Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Nicolae Goga ◽  
Costin-Anton Boiangiu ◽  
Andrei Vasilateanu ◽  
Alexandru-Filip Popovici ◽  
Marius-Valentin Drăgoi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movement ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Traumatic Memory ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Traumatic Memories ◽  
The Past ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Disorder Treatment ◽  
Emdr Therapy

In this paper, we describe an actuator-based EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) virtual assistant system that can be used for the treatment of participants with traumatic memories. EMDR is a psychological therapy designed to treat emotional distress caused by a traumatic event from the past, most frequently in post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. We implemented a system based on video, tactile, and audio actuators which includes an artificial intelligence chatbot, making the system capable of acting autonomously. We tested the system on a sample of 31 participants. Our results showed the efficiency of the EMDR virtual assistant system in reducing anxiety, distress, and negative cognitions and emotions associated with the traumatic memory. There are no such systems reported in the existing literature. Through the present research, we fill this gap by describing a system that can be used by patients with traumatic memories.

scholarly journals RE-EXPERIENCING AS A SYMPTOM OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 208-221
Author(s):  
Spartak Subbota ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Emotional Reaction ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Traumatic Memories ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Extraction Pattern ◽  
Psychological Mechanism ◽  
Post Traumatic

The article shows that intrusive reexperiencing is one of key symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can be manifestedin various forms, for example, intrusive ideas and images, nightmares, flashbacks, stress, physiological reactions and so on. Researchers mostly agree that symptom of re-experiencing is related to methods of coding traumatic memories, storing them in one’s memory and extraction. Pattern of selective identification of elements related to the traumatic event and strong emotional reaction on these triggers looks like a normal adaptive reaction soon after the trauma, as a person needs to re-estimate safety of his/her own environment. Many people recover relatively quickly, working with the trauma alone or with the help of a psychotherapist, in particular through the processes of establishment of autobiographic memories about the event of the trauma as well as its proximal context, both temporal and situational. These people further notice that triggers work as signals of false alarm, and that actually they do not signal about any immediate danger. However for some patients reexperiencing can still remain: if a person can’t place traumatic memories within corresponding context of time and place (for example, when working with memories alone or at least without professional help) with periodical memory updates using trauma-related information, then intrusive re-experiencing works as a trigger reaction remains quite working psychological mechanism. It is proven that it is important to take into account features of both conscious and involuntary memories when describingpost-traumatic memories among PTSD patients. It is shown that key elements of traumatic experience are memorized best of all, and details are remembered worse and less detailed. Although such tendency is consistentwith posttraumatic narratives from patients with PTSD, it however lacks to explain maintenance of symptom of repeated experiencing; warning signals hypothesis, in our opinion, shows the best explanatory potential in this case. Moreover, problems with the conscious remembering of the traumatic experiencing also promote attention to problems with adequate estimations of trauma in general, and consequently are important for professional understanding of abnormal psychology of PTSD.

scholarly journals Variations in Circadian Rhythmicity and Students’ Gender-Related Psychological Conditions during the COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 355
Author(s):  
Ikram Sabaoui ◽  
Said Lotfi ◽  
Mohammed Talbi
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
School Students ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Current Psychological

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced around the world, new student lifestyles have had an impact on their daily behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine post-traumatic stress associated with the initial COVID-19 crisis in students (N = 280) with a mean age of 13 ± 1.70 and to determine the relationship between their reported daily behaviors in terms of their gender. The study was conducted primarily in Casablanca and Marrakech, the two cities most affected by the pandemic at the time of the study in Morocco in May 2020. Our sample consists of 133 high school students and 147 middle school students, 83.6% of whom are females. Students were asked to answer questions based on an Activity Biorhythm Questionnaire, the Post-Traumatic Stress Scale (Weathers et al., 1993), the Hamilton Scale (Hamilton, 1960), the Worry Domains Questionnaire (Tallis, Eyzenck, Mathews, 1992), and the Visual Analog Scale of Moods (VASM) (Stern et al., 1997). The results obtained confirm that there is a significant relationship between the circadian rhythm of some variables and gender in some activities such as academic study (p < 0.05) and TV and Internet use (p < 0.05) and was highly significant for physical activity (p = 0.001), while others are not significant in relation to other schedules of the same variables or in relation to others. Likewise, for the psychological conditions, significant relationships with mood states and depressive tendencies were confirmed. In lockdown, the students’ daily lives underwent changes in circadian rhythm and lifestyle. Therefore, it is necessary to treat their current psychological problems and avoid future complications.

Support for the mutual maintenance of pain and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

2009 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 1215-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Liedl ◽  
M. O'Donnell ◽  
M. Creamer ◽  
D. Silove ◽  
A. McFarlane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Saturated Model ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundPain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently co-morbid in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Although several models attempt to explain the relationship between these two disorders, the mechanisms underlying the relationship remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between each PTSD symptom cluster and pain over the course of post-traumatic adjustment.MethodIn a longitudinal study, injury patients (n=824) were assessed within 1 week post-injury, and then at 3 and 12 months. Pain was measured using a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to identify causal relationships between pain and PTSD.ResultsIn a saturated model we found that the relationship between acute pain and 12-month pain was mediated by arousal symptoms at 3 months. We also found that the relationship between baseline arousal and re-experiencing symptoms, and later 12-month arousal and re-experiencing symptoms, was mediated by 3-month pain levels. The final model showed a good fit [χ2=16.97, df=12, p>0.05, Comparative Fit Index (CFI)=0.999, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.022].ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence of mutual maintenance between pain and PTSD.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the effects of L-Theanine on neurobehavior in an adult male Sprague-Dawley Rat Model of PTSD

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-308
Author(s):  
John E Buonora ◽  
Patrick M Krum ◽  
Tomás Eduardo Ceremuga
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Forced Swim Test ◽  
The United States ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Stress Model ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Shock Stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to be one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States and may occur in response to traumatic experiences. Currently, there are no interventions that prevent the development of PTSD. L-Theanine (L-Th), a major compound in green tea has been found to decrease anxiety and prevent memory impairment and may have potential effects in the prevention of PTSD. Sixty rats were divided into six experimental groups: control vehicle, control L-Th, control naïve, PTSD vehicle, PTSD Pre-L-Th (prophylactic), PTSD Post-L-Th (non-prophylactic). PTSD was induced by a 3-day restraint/tail shock stress model. The effects of L-Th on neurobehavior were evaluated by Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM), Morris Water Maze (MWM), and Forced Swim Test (FST). Our study found that the total food intake weight of PTSD Pre-L-Th (prophylactic) rats were significantly increased compared to that of PTSD vehicle rats (p = .04). Administration of L-Th 24 hours before the initial PTSD event or for 10 days following the last PTSD stress event did not statistically improve mean open arm exploration on the EPM, spatial memory, and learning in the MWM or behavioral despair measured by the FST (p > 0.05). Although the 3-day restraint/tail shock stress model caused stress in the rodents, it did not produce reported PTSD-like anxiety and depression or spatial memory loss. The effect of Pre-L-Th or Post-L-Th treatment, on the neurobehavioral functions could not be effectively evaluated. However, this study provides a foundation for future studies to try different rodent PTSD models to induce PTSD-like neurobehavioral impairments to explore dosage, frequency, as well as the duration of L-Th administration before and/or after the post-traumatic event. The 3-day restraint/tail shock stress model caused stress in the rodents, Pre-L-Theanine treatment preconditioned the PTSD rats to endure stress.

scholarly journals Treatment With Nepicastat Decreases Contextual Traumatic Memories Persistence in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Martinho ◽  
Gabriela Correia ◽  
Rafaela Seixas ◽  
Ana Oliveira ◽  
Soraia Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Traumatic Memories ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze Test ◽  
Post Traumatic

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common anxiety mental disorder and can be manifested after exposure to a real or perceived life-threatening event. Increased noradrenaline and adrenaline in plasma and urine have been documented in PTSD. Dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to noradrenaline and consequently, DBH inhibition reduces catecholamines. Our aim was to evaluate if nepicastat treatment decreases PTSD signs in an animal model. Wild-type (129x1/SvJ) female mice were submitted to PTSD induction protocol. DBH-inhibitor nepicastat (30 mg/kg) or vehicle (0.2% HPMC) were administered once daily since day 0 until day 7 or 12. The percentage of freezing was calculated on days 0, 1, 2, and 7, and behavioral tests were performed. Quantification of nepicastat in plasma and DBH activity in the adrenal gland was evaluated. Catecholamines were quantified by HPLC with electrochemical detection. mRNA expression of Npas4 and Bdnf in hippocampus was evaluated by qPCR.Mice in the PTSD-group and treated with nepicastat showed a decrease in freezing, and an increase in the time spent and entries in open arms in elevated plus maze test. In mice treated with nepicastat, adrenal gland DBH activity was decreased, and catecholamines were also decreased in plasma and tissues. On day 7, in mice treated with nepicastat, there was an increase of Npas4 and Bdnf mRNA expression in the hippocampus.In conclusion, DBH inhibitor nepicastat has an effect consistent with a decrease in the persistence of traumatic memories and anxiety-like behavior in this PTSD mice model. The disruption of traumatic memories through interference with the formation, consolidation, retrieval, and/or expression processes may be important to decrease PTSD symptoms and signs. The increase in Npas4 and Bdnf mRNA expression in the hippocampus may be important to develop a weaker traumatic contextual memory after nepicastat treatment.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among School-age Adolescent

2020 ◽  
pp. 40-49
Author(s):  
Khalid Astitene ◽  
Hassan Aguenaou ◽  
Laila Lahlou ◽  
Amina Barkat
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reaction Index ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Post Traumatic

Aim: After a traumatic event, the person can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of PTSD in adolescents in public middle schools of the prefecture of Salé in Morocco and study anxiety and depression which are the comorbid disorders of the PTSD. The survey was carried out from March to June 2017. Methods: 523 students were selected by the cross-sectional method from fifteen schools that were randomly selected, the age of the students vary between 12 and 17 years. For the survey, standardized questionnaires (the socio-demographic data, the Life Events Checklist, the CPTS-RI (Children's Post Traumatic Stress Reaction Index), the STAIY (State Trait Inventory Anxiety Form Y) and the CDI (Children Depression Inventory) were used which were filled in by the students. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 70.4% in the students who have PTSD. We found that the prevalence in boys was 46.74%, while in girls it was 53.26%. In addition to that, 81% of students found to be anxious and 51.8% of students have depression. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder among adolescents, there are practical implications for the support and care of these adolescents.

Clinicians after the suicide of their patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 549-554
Author(s):  
Onja T. Grad
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Suicidal Patients

Emotional turmoil, disruption, shock, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), doubts in own competences as a professional: these are only few of many feelings and reactions that clinicians might experience when faced with the fact that patients they had treated took their lives. The range of reactions can span from none, which is rare, to severe disorders, and can sometimes result in more precautious treatment of future patients, or even in leaving the field of working with suicidal patients. How clinicians respond depends on many factors, such as the length and intensity of the treatment, the understanding of patients’ suicide, the knowledge and past experiences the clinicians have as well as the response of the patients’ family, and the response and support of the colleagues and the institution in which the treatment took place. Some of these factors can help—while others can hinder—the process of overcoming the traumatic event of patients’ suicide.

scholarly journals Psychological sequelae of political imprisonment, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder, in 491 Days by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Literator ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Botha
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Psychological Sequelae ◽  
Main Cluster ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Political Imprisonment

This article analyses well-known anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s prison memoir 491 Days: Prisoner Number 1323/69 (2013) for depictions of suffering. This memoir reveals aspects of politically inflicted trauma, particularly the suffering sustained in prolonged solitary confinement and the resulting psychological sequelae for the prisoner. To move beyond a vague understanding of her traumatic experiences, this article draws on the field of psychiatry, specifically the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to gain greater insight as this tool may also be regarded as a type of narrative that could aid in the comprehension of traumatic events. References will be made to the three main cluster symptoms of PTSD: involuntary re-experiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders and an ongoing sense of threat. An interdisciplinary literary-psychological approach will probably lead to a deeper understanding of the mental consequences of political imprisonment, as PTSD was not an acknowledged disorder during Madikizela-Mandela’s detainment.

Computer-Based Perspective Broadening Support for Appraisal Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-108
Author(s):  
Ursula M. Beer ◽  
Mark A. Neerincx ◽  
Nexhmedin Morina ◽  
Willem-Paul Brinkman
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Technological Support ◽  
Multiple Outcome ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Effect Of The Support

Post-traumatic stress affects millions of people worldwide. Appraisal training is an intervention that has been used to decrease the negative effects of a traumatic event. In two studies, the acceptance and effects of technology in supporting appraisal was studied. Study 1, a descriptive study, examined the response to and acceptance of a workshop on perspective broadening with technological support among soldiers and firefighters. Results revealed that both groups evaluated the training as useful and feasible, and both favoured the full version of the tool. Study 2 investigated the effect of the support tool among a student sample in comparison to the paper-based training. Participants followed the training individually. Comparisons between the two groups revealed no significant differences on multiple outcome measures. Behaviour observed during the training suggests that shorter sessions might prove more effective. The findings indicate acceptance of the technology supported training but gives no indication that the effects of the training are improved by technological support.

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