Is it possible to rewrite old traumatic fear memories and thus significantly reduce the suffering of many patients? The discovery of memory reconsolidation suggests that this could be much easier than many researchers have long assumed.  This is because new research has shown that our memory hovers in a changeable, protein synthesis-dependent state after each recall. During this time window, it is possible to “update” the memory through interventions (e.g. preventing protein synthesis with anisomycin). (Nader & Hardt, 2009; Nader, Schafe, & Le Doux, 2000). Our memory is therefore much more modifiable than we realize. This opens up many new possibilities for the psychotherapy of anxiety disorders (panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, phobias, agoraphobia, etc.).

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Studies (just a small selection):  Elsey, J. W., & Kindt, M. (2017). Tackling maladaptive memories through reconsolidation: From neural to clinical science. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 142, 108-117.

Mallet, C., Chick, C. F., Maatoug, R., Fossati, P., Brunet, A., & Millet, B. (2022). Memory reconsolidation impairment using the β-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol reduces nightmare severity in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: a preliminary study. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 18(7), 1847-1855.

Pigeon, S., Lonergan, M., Rotondo, O., Pitman, R. K., & Brunet, A. (2022). Impairing memory reconsolidation with propranolol in healthy and clinical samples: a meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 47(2), E109-E122.

Soeter, M., & Kindt, M. (2011). Disrupting reconsolidation: pharmacological and behavioral manipulations. Learning & Memory, 18(6), 357-366.

Psychological trauma refers to the lasting emotional and psychological impact resulting from distressing events or experiences. While trauma can be debilitating, individuals have the remarkable capacity to heal and recover from these wounds.
When individuals confront traumatic experiences, they often develop coping mechanisms and resilience to manage the associated distress. Similarly, cognitive training aims to enhance adaptability and resilience by challenging the mind to respond to novel situations. Overcoming trauma requires individuals to adapt their thinking patterns, reframe negative thoughts, and cultivate a more positive mindset. This process mirrors the cognitive strategies employed in cognitive training exercises that improve mental flexibility and adaptability.
Psychological trauma can leave lasting imprints on the brain, altering neural pathways and affecting cognitive processes. However, just as cognitive training exercises can rewire the brain and enhance cognitive function, trauma recovery also involves reshaping neural connections. Therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy actively target maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, allowing individuals to create new neural pathways and establish healthier cognitive patterns.
Cognitive training aims to bolster cognitive resources such as attention, memory, and executive functions. In the context of trauma recovery, individuals often face difficulties in these areas due to the impact of trauma on cognitive functioning. However, by engaging in trauma-focused therapy and utilizing various cognitive techniques, individuals can rebuild their cognitive resources. This process involves improving attentional control, working memory, and decision-making abilities, which aligns with the goals of cognitive training programs.

What does really help after a traumatic experience? Should we, directly after a traumatic experience, talk through the traumatic experience again in great detail in a conversation with a psychologist (or another person we trust) so that we can process the experience better? Or might it be better to play Tetris, for example. The answer is perplexing…

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Studies and books (only a small selection):

James, E. L., Bonsall, M. B., Hoppitt, L., Tunbridge, E. M., Geddes, J. R., Milton, A. L., & Holmes, E. A. (2015). Computer game play reduces intrusive memories of experimental trauma via reconsolidation-update mechanisms. Psychological science, 26(8), 1201-1215.

Holmes, E. A., & Iyadurai, L. (2020). Can we develop a «cognitive therapeutic vaccine» for the early hours after trauma to prevent the reccurrence of intrusive memories of trauma. Risk Management of Terrorism Induced Stress, 66-71.

Horsch, A., Vial, Y., Favrod, C., Harari, M. M., Blackwell, S. E., Watson, P., … & Holmes, E. A. (2017). Reducing intrusive traumatic memories after emergency caesarean section: A proof-of-principle randomized controlled study. Behaviour research and therapy, 94, 36-47.

Iyadurai, L., Blackwell, S. E., Meiser-Stedman, R., Watson, P. C., Bonsall, M. B., Geddes, J. R., … & Holmes, E. A. (2018). Preventing intrusive memories after trauma via a brief intervention involving Tetris computer game play in the emergency department: a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial. Molecular psychiatry, 23(3), 674-682.

Kanstrup, M., Kontio, E., Geranmayeh, A., Olofsdotter Lauri, K., Moulds, M. L., & Holmes, E. A. (2021). A single case series using visuospatial task interference to reduce the number of visual intrusive memories of trauma with refugees. Clinical psychology & psychotherapy, 28(1), 109-123.

Kessler, H., Schmidt, A. C., James, E. L., Blackwell, S. E., von Rauchhaupt, M., Harren, K., … & Holmes, E. A. (2020). Visuospatial computer game play after memory reminder delivered three days after a traumatic film reduces the number of intrusive memories of the experimental trauma. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry, 67, 101454.

Kessler, H., Holmes, E. A., Blackwell, S. E., Schmidt, A. C., Schweer, J. M., Bücker, A., … & Kehyayan, A. (2018). Reducing intrusive memories of trauma using a visuospatial interference intervention with inpatients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86(12), 1076.

Lau-Zhu, A., Holmes, E. A., & Porcheret, K. (2018). Intrusive memories of trauma in the laboratory: Methodological developments and future directions. Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, 5(1), 61-71.