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Beta Blocker 'Erases' Bad Memories

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 15, 2009 6:44 PM CST

(Newser) – A drug usually prescribed for high blood pressure can relieve people of painful memories, the Telegraph reports. Taking the beta blocker drug propranolol, subjects in a Dutch study experienced less fear when reminded of a shocking memory. Researchers said millions of people suffering from emotional disorders or "self-perpetuating memories" could be relieved by the drug.

One analyst cast doubt on the findings, saying memory removal "will change our personal identity since who we are is linked to our memories." Another warned that it could cause "psychological discontinuity," or help witnesses forget crimes. They would "render themselves unable (with a good excuse for being unable) to give evidence," he said.

Pfc. Joseph Dwyer, 26, from Mt. Sinai, N.Y., carries a young Iraqi boy in this March 25, 2003 file photo near Al Faysaliyah, Iraq. Dwyer died of an accidental overdose after struggling with PTSD.
Pfc. Joseph Dwyer, 26, from Mt. Sinai, N.Y., carries a young Iraqi boy in this March 25, 2003 file photo near Al Faysaliyah, Iraq. Dwyer died of an accidental overdose after struggling with PTSD.   (AP Photo/Warren Zinn, Army Times)
Leaning beside a cooling unit, retired Marine Maj. Gamal Awad cries out while exercising at his home in Temecula, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007.
Leaning beside a cooling unit, retired Marine Maj. Gamal Awad cries out while exercising at his home in Temecula, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Specialist Thomas Brown at his post on the New York Stock Exchange floor, Monday Oct. 6, 2008.
Specialist Thomas Brown at his post on the New York Stock Exchange floor, Monday Oct. 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Jun 25, 2009 12:40 AM CDT
The only thing the article claims is that Propranolol reduces the fear when facing a frightening memory. The Headline, as usual, is deceptive.
Guest
Feb 17, 2009 1:54 AM CST
Just in time, if we start taking them now we won't be scarred to much by the next 4 years.
Caps
Feb 17, 2009 1:46 AM CST
No the next 4 years will be nothing frightening, the frightening last 8 years are behind us.

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