Li Junjiao, Chen Wei, Wu Wenli, Caoyang Jingwen, Jie Jing and Zheng Xifu
South China Normal University, China
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother
Effectiveness of retrieval extinction by disrupting fear memory reconsolidation depends on subtle differences in protocol of reactivation session. It proposes a real challenge for researchers to find an optimal operation model to facilitate its clinical use as an avenue for patients suffering from pathogenic memories, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The laboratory model of fear learning in previous studies, however, was too simplified to represent the real situation of traumatic events, which limits its clinical application. In the present study, we used a basic visual compound stimuli model as CS to explore whether the retrieval ratio of CS was a possible factor that determined the efficiency of the post-reactivation extinction paradigm. We found that only 2/3 ratio repetition of retrieval cues as reminders can inhibit the spontaneous recovery after extinction, while both the 2/3 ratio and whole repetition group can prevent fear reinstatement. 1/3 ratio retrieval group probably failed to undergo memory reconsolidation. It is inferred that although retrieval extinction paradigm is also effective in more complex fear model, as to achieve optimal effect, moderate discrepancy CS should be used as reminders.
