Traumatic memory retrieval followed by electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A pilot study

Author(s)

Araujo, Alvaro Cabral ; Carui, Nickolas ; Guirado, Alia Garrudo ; Schiller, Daniela ; Neto, Francisco Lotufo ; Corchs, Felipe

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH; v. 326, p. 3-pg., 2023-08-01.

Abstract

Delivering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during the reconsolidation of traumatic memories may enhance the treatment efficacy in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To test this, 14 patients with severe and refractory PTSD were randomly allocated to receive ECT sessions either after retrieving the traumatic (n=8) or a neutral (n=6) memory. We found that delivering ECT after retrieving the traumatic memory enhanced the improvement of PTSD symptoms and the reduction of subjective reactivity to the traumatic memory. Reduction in anxiety and mood symptoms and physiological reactivity to the traumatic memory were observed in the sample as a whole regardless of memory retrieval. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/04810-0 - New strategies to change traumatic memories
• Grantee: Felipe D Alessandro Ferreira Corchs
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants