Method to erase traumatic memories may be on the horizon (medication, therapy)

[nezlie]

In a way this would be comparable to deleting an unwanted program from your computer. It might be helpful if they could save some of those undesirable proteins they remove..... just in case they had to restore the memory back to an earlier version.... assuming they could do it.

Soldiers haunted by scenes of war and victims scarred by violence may wish they could wipe the memories from their minds. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University say that may someday be possible.

A commercial drug remains far off — and its use would be subject to many ethical and practical questions. But scientists have laid a foundation with their discovery that proteins can be removed from the brain's fear center to erase memories forever.

Method to erase traumatic memories may be on the horizon - baltimoresun.com

[chuck_steak]

I tried the EMDR therapy and it hasn't helped. If this medication really works it could be a very good thing for a lot of people, especially veterans returning from war.

[BioAdoptMom3]

While traumatic memories can cause tons of problems, they also can serve a purpose. These types of experiences and the memories produced from them are in most cases what allows growth and maturity to take place, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. On one hand, I would love to forget the long term, serious illness and death of my dad and the tremendous stress associated with the fostering and finally adoption of our daughter (it was horrible getting a child at birth and not knowing for 2 1/2 years if someone was going to come at any moment and legally take her away). That was so difficult that my doctor diagnosed me with PTSD five months after we finalized her adoption, but looking back now I wouldn't trade those memories for anything in the world. I have learned and grown so much through them and if those memories had been erased, that wouldn't be possible. Our memories can also enable us to give support to others who are suffering and going through major life difficulties. I know when I am upset about something usually the first person I want to talk with is someone who has been there. I would also like to add that without the difficult memories how would we appreciate the positive things in life?

I am not saying that a medication like this could never be of value, just that we need to seriously think about the disadvantages before we start widely using something like that.

Nancy