General Psychology

Question

Years ago, neuroscientists discovered that forming a memory causes physical changes in the brain in which new synaptic connections grow between the neurons. Each time we recall a memory it gets modified when we save it. Based on this research, it was, recently, reported that psychologists have found a way to erase the emotional anxiety associated with bad memories without erasing the memories themselves. It is done by using a drug called Propanolol which changes the way a memory is saved after being accessed. Can you think of some ways in which this research can be applied? Do you think it is a good thing or a bad thing? 

Answer 1

We have evolved in such a way that memories often benefit us. We learn from memories that cause us pain to avoid their source. While this research can be beneficial in treating cases of PTSD and anxiety, the risk that one no longer recognizes the painful repercussions of the memory-causing event remains