CONTACT US: Contact info
|
Citation |
Björkstrand J, Agren T, Ahs F, Frick A, Larsson EM, Hjorth O, Furmark T, Fredrikson M. Behav. Brain Res. 2017; 324: 125-129. |
|
Affiliation |
Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Campus Blåsenhus, von Kraemers allé 1A, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden. |
|
Copyright |
(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing) |
|
DOI |
|
PMID |
28214541 |
|
Abstract |
Memories can be modified when recalled. Experimental fear conditioning studies support that amygdala-localized fear memories are attenuated when reconsolidation is disrupted through extinction training immediately following memory activation. Recently, using functional brain imaging in individuals with lifelong spider fears, we demonstrated that fear memory activation followed by repeated exposure to feared cues after 10 minutes, thereby disrupting reconsolidation, attenuated activity in the amygdala during later re-exposure, and also facilitated approach behavior to feared cues. In contrast, repeated exposure 6 hours after fear memory activation, allowing for reconsolidation, did not attenuate amygdala activity and resulted in less approach behavior as compared to the group that received disrupted reconsolidation. We here evaluated if these effects are stable after 6 months and found that amygdala activity was further reduced in both groups, with a tendency towards greater reductions in the 10min than the 6h group. Hence, disrupted reconsolidation results in long lasting attenuation of amygdala activity. The behavioral effect, with more approach towards previously feared cues, in the 10min than the 6h group also persisted. Thus, the brain effect of disrupted reconsolidation is stable over 6 months and the behavioral effect also remained. We therefore conclude that disrupted reconsolidation result in a long-lasting diminished fear memory representation in the amygdala which may have clinical importance. Language: en |
|
Keywords |
amygdala; approach behavior; exposure therapy; extinction; reconsolidation disruption; spider fear |