Extinction of fear memory during development: lesson for a better exposure therapy?

Abstract

A large number of behavioral studies have shown that extinction does not eliminate the classical fear memory in the adult. The majority of studies have focused on the mechanisms of extinction-induced inhibition within the fear circuits. However, recent studies have uncovered mechanisms that destabilize and perhaps even erase fear memories, opening the possibility of erasure extinction therapy. In contrast to the adult, extinction of fear memories appears to be erasure in nature in infant rodents. Here, we review the recent literature on fear extinction during development and identify the critical issues to be resolved. Understanding the mechanism of erase-type extinction in the young may enable more effective therapy to treat PTSD and/or anxiety disorders by preventing the return of fear permanently.