Selective memory for real?

[cheerful_deviant]

Here's a link to an article on controling memories of traumatic events and attempting to eliminate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Not really sure how I feel about this. Seems a little creepy and I agree with the people who think it will probablly be abused before long.


Thanks for the memories?

Opinions?

 

[TheEarl]

Stupid, stupid research. I have all the sympathy in the world for those suffering from PTSD, but this is not something that research money should be spent on. Memories - both good and bad are part of who we are and the idea of losing mine through Alzheimers or senility terrifies me. Why not use this money and research skills on curing that instead of pissing about with taking away memories.

The Earl

 

[English Lady]

Yup I agree totally with The Earl.


not much more to say ontop of that really

 

[Guest]

This is the bit that spoke to me:
"Skeptics, however, argue that tinkering with memories treads into dangerous territory because memories are part of the very essence of a person's identity."

Not to be glib, but isn't that all that makes up our identities, our memories (even as the present moments pass).

I don't know why they used the word skeptics, I can't see how anyone would accept tampering with memory in blind faith to science. It's a fascinating subject, memory, and the skeptic in me wonders if some less than ethical scientists are 'using' the issue of PTSD as an easy inroad to their experimentation.

Perdita

 

[LadyJeanne]

Yeah, it seems wierd and way out there on the fringe of ethical science, but they're not erasing memories, just dulling the effects of traumatic events, from what I understand of the article. Who hasn't wished they could ease the pain of a horrific childhood, the death of a loved one, or even an especially bad divorce or break-up? I'd imagine soldiers and other survivors of trauma could really use a bit of help.

But then, I'm a wimp. I had very minor outpatient eye surgery a few years ago and asked them to put me completely under because I didn't want the memory of seeing that scalpel coming toward me or hear them talking about it...I knew it would haunt me later.