No evidence for disruption of reconsolidation of conditioned threat memories with a cognitively demanding intervention

Abstract

Simultaneous execution of memory retrieval and cognitively demanding interventions alter the subjective experience of aversive memories. This principle can be used in treatment to target traumatic memories. An often-used interpretation is that cognitive demand interferes with memory reconsolidation. Laboratory models applying this technique often do not meet some important procedural steps thought necessary to trigger reconsolidation. It remains therefore unclear whether cognitively demanding interventions can alter the reconsolidation process of aversive memories. Here, 78 (41 included) healthy participants completed an established 3-day threat conditioning paradigm. Two conditioned stimuli were paired with a shock (CS+ s) and one was not (CS-). The next day, one CS+ (CS+ R), but not the other (CS+), was presented as a reminder. After 10 min, participants performed a 2-back working memory task. On day three, we assessed retention. We found successful acquisition of conditioned threat and retention (CS+ s > CS-). However, SCRs to the CS+ R and the CS+ during retention did not significantly differ. Although threat conditioning was successful, the well-established cognitively demanding intervention did not alter the reconsolidation process of conditioned threat memories. These findings challenge current views on how cognitively demand may enhance psychotherapy-outcome.

The relevance of accounting for parasympathetic as well as sympathetic arousal in threat conditioning: methodological and clinical considerations

“…Participants were tested in a differential delay threat conditioning paradigm (Jaswetz et al, 2022).…”

“…To test our hypotheses, we used an established differential delay threat conditioning paradigm (Jaswetz et al, 2022), during which both HR and SCR were measured. Our sample included a relatively large number of participants (N=78) allowing us to explore relations with trait anxiety.…”

“…This study was preregistered on the open science framework (Link: https://osf.io/48eqs). As this study was part of a previous project on threat memory reconsolidation (Jaswetz et al, 2022), the preregistration was written after visual inspection of the data, but before conducting any statistical analyses of the data relevant to this study.…”

Substances Pathological of Use and Syndrome Z: Medicine D

“…Sd Z is ́ Ó missing link ́ , given that most addictions are secondary, evolving to pathologies (situations of biological lesions and other damage) and other clinical diseases such as metabolic syndrome, addictions, not observed clinically to date, which share common neuronal pathways of the reward system: impulsivity, sexuality, intake of sugar and carbohydrates, substance use and monetary gains [89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104].…”

Behavioural reconsolidation interference not observed in a within-subjects design

“…This theory has been supported by other studies, showing the possibility that behavioural interference methods may lead to reconsolidation interference in human participants 14 , 15 . However, there is also evidence showing that behavioural reconsolidation interference is not readily observed in both between-subjects 16 and within-subjects 17 designs.…”