How Psychedelics Modulate Multiple Memory Mechanisms in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Drugs November 1, 2024 Manoj K. Doss, Annamarie Demarco, Joseph E Dunsmoor et al. 14 citations
PTSD involves abnormalities in memory, and psychedelics may help treat it by affecting multiple memory systems. Most research has focused on fear conditioning and extinction, which are limited models. A review of 25 studies found that the acute effects of psychedelics can enhance extinction learning, which is impaired in PTSD, though they may also enhance fear conditioning. Post-acute effects may also boost extinction learning. PTSD and psychedelics both impair hippocampal-dependent episodic memory formation, but psychedelics may enhance cortical-dependent semantic learning, potentially helping integrate trauma memories and disrupt maladaptive beliefs. More research is needed on episodic memory consolidation, retrieval, and reconsolidation, and on post-acute effects across all memory phases.