A University of Colorado study shows that, with enough practice, people can develop the ability to suppress emotional memories. This has implications for those suffering from conditions ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to depression. The study measured brain activity in test subjects who were trained to suppress memories of negative images, indicated two mechanisms in the prefrontal region of the brain were at work. 'The study may help clinicians develop new therapies for those unable to suppress emotionally distressing memories associated with disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive syndrome,' said Brendan Depue, the lead researcher.
How to Forget Bad Memories
A University of Colorado study shows that, with enough practice, people can develop the ability to suppress emotional memories. This has implications for those suffering from conditions ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to depression. The study measured brain activity in test subjects who were trained to suppress memories of negative images, indicated two mechanisms in the prefrontal region of the brain were at work. 'The study may help clinicians develop new therapies for those unable to suppress emotionally distressing memories associated with disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive syndrome,' said Brendan Depue, the lead researcher.