Differences in Intrusive Memory Experiences in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder after Single, Re- and Prolonged Traumatization

Language
en
Document Type
Article
Issue Date
2017-10-09
Issue Year
2016
Authors
Müller, Helge H.
Moeller, Sebastian
Jenderek, Konstanze
Stroebel, Armin
Wiendieck, Kurt
Sperling, Wolfgang
Editor
Abstract

Intrusive memory experiences (IMEs) are a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sensory perceptions of IMEs in the PTSD context vary substantially. The present research examined 20 patients with a single trauma, 20 re-traumatized patients and 80 Holocaust-traumatized patients who suffered from PTSD. Our results revealed significant differences in IME frequency based on the types of trauma experience. The findings suggest that patients with prolonged (Holocaust) traumata suffered from visual (65%) and combined visual/acoustic intrusive memories (29%), whereas visual memory experiences were most frequent (90%) among single-trauma patients. The trauma experience and the intrusive memory trigger stimulus were interdependent. The type of trauma critically affects the traumatic experience. Future studies should focus on these findings to improve PTSD therapeutic options.

Journal Title
Frontiers in Psychology
Volume
7
Citation
Frontiers in Psychology 7 (2016). <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00865/full>
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