Jiahui Chen1 · Zhuowen Fang1 · Xiaolan Zhang2 · Yanrong Zheng2 · Zhong Chen1,21 Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
2 Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder caused by traumatic past experiences, rooted in the neurocircuits of fear memory formation. Memory processes include encoding, storing, and recalling to forgetting, suggesting the potential to erase fear memories through timely interventions. Conventional strategies such as medications or electroconvulsive therapy often fail to provide permanent relief and come with significant side-effects. This review explores how fear memory may be erased, particularly focusing on the mnemonic phases of reconsolidation and extinction. Reconsolidation strengthens memory, while extinction weakens it. Interfering with memory reconsolidation could diminish the fear response. Alternatively, the extinction of acquired memory could reduce the fear memory response. This review summarizes experimental animal models of PTSD, examines the nature and epidemiology of reconsolidation to extinction, and discusses current behavioral therapy aimed at transforming fear memories to treat PTSD. In sum, understanding how fear memory updates holds significant promise for PTSD treatment.
Keywords
Post-traumatic stress disorder; Fear memory; Reconsolidation; Extinction; Engram
