Out OF THE PAST.

The article discusses how human beings can alter their own memories through the act of remembering. An example is given of a woman suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after suffering a car accident. According to psychologist Karim Nader, not all who survive accidents suffer from PTSD. The event may forge a pathologically potent memory that can repeatedly surface in a person's conscience mind. Topics include research by psychologist Alain Brunet at McGill University, investigating an experimental treatment for PTSD which included the use of the blood-pressure medication propranolol. Also discussed is a historical overview of how neuroscientists view memory including how memories form, the controversy regarding recovered memories, and a technique to erase memories.