Method to erase traumatic memories may be on the horizon

[Roon]

Soldiers haunted by scenes of war and victims scarred by violence may wish they could wipe the memories from their minds. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University say that may someday be possible.

A commercial drug remains far off — and its use would be subject to many ethical and practical questions. But scientists have laid a foundation with their discovery that proteins can be removed from the brain's fear center to erase memories forever.

"When a traumatic event occurs, it creates a fearful memory that can last a lifetime and have a debilitating effect on a person's life," says Richard L. Huganir, professor and chair of neuroscience in the Hopkins School of Medicine. He said his finding on the molecular process "raises the possibility of manipulating those mechanisms with drugs to enhance behavioral therapy for such conditions as post-traumatic stress disorder."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-erasing-memories-20101122,0,342650.story

My boyfriend has PTSD because he was fag bashed within an inch of his life. I wish this treatment was available right now.

[tridim]

1. Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind.

Helluva movie if you haven't seen it.

[Vickers]

6. That was my first thought.

And having "horizon" in the thread title was simply perfect.

:P

[pipi_k]

2. I'm very interested in seeing how this would play out...

with people who have agoraphobia, which is basically a disabling fear of fear.

I often wonder if I could forget all the times I ever had a panic attack in certain situations, whether the agoraphobia would be "cured".

[AnneD]

3. Nothing, I repeat nothing....

willever erase the las 8 years of the Bush presidency.

[Matariki]

4. Really. Makes you suspect they've been testing it in the drinking water.

The way people act.

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. Obliviate!

Any medium used to eradicate traumatic memories would be able to eradicate other memories.

I'd rather see comprehensive, free (government funded thru taxes) therapy for those who need it, without social stigma, than give anyone the power to chemically fuck with peoples' minds. Chemical lobotomies is not the answer.