Kindt et al. (2009)

Beyond extinction: erasing human fear responses and preventing the return of fear

Nature Neuroscience, 12(3), 256-258

Find It

DOI

Abstract

Animal studies have shown that fear memories can change when recalled, a process referred to as reconsolidation. We found that oral administration of the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol before memory reactivation in humans erased the behavioral expression of the fear memory 24 h later and prevented the return of fear. Disrupting the reconsolidation of fear memory opens up new avenues for providing a long-term cure for patients with emotional disorders.

Reference

Kindt, M., Soeter, M., & Vervliet, B. (2009). Beyond extinction: Erasing human fear responses and preventing the return of fear. Nature Neuroscience, 12(3), 256-258. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2271

What Rests on This

1 mechanism cites this source. Each finding below is quoted as it appears on that mechanism's own page.

Reconsolidation Memory Processes

Neural substrate

In humans, the beta-adrenergic (noradrenaline receptor) blocker propranolol given before reactivating a conditioned fear memory erased the fear-potentiated startle response 24 hours later and prevented the return of fear