Specific properties changes of traumatic memory in PTSD patients after multiple reactivations of this memory under propranolol or placebo: An exploratory study

Introduction

Intrusive memories from a traumatic event are a core criterion for a PTSD diagnosis. Very few studies have assessed the specific properties of traumatic memories and their evolution over time in patients with PTSD. The aim of this study was to compare the evolution of trauma-related memory features before and after treatment by traumatic memory reactivation under propranolol and placebo.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 46 adults diagnosed with longstanding PTSD had an evaluation of the specific properties of their trauma-related memory using the autobiographical memory questionnaire, as well as the PTSD Checklist and Beck's Depression Inventory-II. Each of them underwent six consecutive weeks of traumatic memory reactivation under propranolol and placebo before reassessment of the psychometric properties mentioned above.

Results

After the six-treatment sessions, we did not observe any effect on the 19 questions on the memory of the traumatic event between patients with placebo or propranolol treatment.

However, in all patients, we found a significant positive association between PTSD symptom improvement after traumatic reactivation treatment and the reduction of emotional intensity of the memory event but also on the fact that patients felt less like returning to the past

Discussion

A consecutive six-week reactivation treatment in patients with PTSD led to changes in the properties of the core-features of trauma-related memories but these changes are the same in the propranolol or placebo groups.