Memory and identity in PTSD:  Core processes underlying treatment efficacy

PTSD appears to incorporate two quite separate sets of processes. One is concerned with specific reactions to extreme threat. The encoding of long-lasting image-based memories interferes with the encoding of verbal memories that are necessary to represent the trauma as a past event and inhibit the reliving of the trauma. The second set of processes is concerned with the challenge the trauma poses to the victim's identity. "Trauma processing" leaves original memory representations intact and involves the construction of alternative memories that are helped to compete more effectively for retrieval in the presence of reminders of the traumatic event.

Conference

English

Chris Brewin

Brewin, C. (2005, June). Memory and identity in PTSD: Core processes underlying treatment efficacy. Plenary presented at the 6th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Brussels, Belgium