One of the core symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is intrusive memory: disturbing, unwanted memories of the traumatic event keep coming back, either in waking life or in dreams. Recently, it has been suggested that this enhancement of memory is due to stress hormones, and that administering certain drugs shortly after a traumatic event could prevent traumatic memories from being consolidated, leaving the victim essentially amnesic for the trauma itself – and therefore, presumably, reducing the likelihood of PTSD. Assuming that this were possible, is it a good idea? Discuss the pros and cons. The explanation for the above… View the full answer
