10/3 - Ramirez

Human memory is notably susceptible to error and influence from external and internal factors. The constructive, step-by-step nature of memory formation and retrieval leaves ample opportunity for such error to occur. Ramirez et al (2013) present a unique method for manipulating these perceived “weaknesses” in memory for modeling the maladaptive behavioral symptoms associated with mental illness. By showing that an artificial memory can produce a fearful response when no fearful stimulus is present, this research opens the door for further research into behavioral manipulation via implementation of artificial memory.

Ramirez et all expanded on this research in 2015, showing that activating a positive memory can acutely rescue depression-like behavior in rodents. The study also attempted to rescue anxiety-like behavior with activation of positive memory, but saw no change in measures of anxiety. This dichotomy highlights a problem that persists in both research and clinical treatment of psychiatric disorders: that depression and anxiety can be effectively referred to a treated with blanket methods, despite clear neuropathological differences in the disorders. This study also adds to a growing list of potential acute treatments for depression and other psychiatric disorders, filling a huge gap in clinical treatment left by anti-depressants that take weeks to have an effect.
The study also found that repeated stimulation of neurons associated with a positive experience led to sustained reversal of stress-induced depression-like behavioral effects and promoted neurogenesis after 5 days. It would be interesting to see in further experiments whether these effects could be sustained for multiple weeks after stress has occurred. From a clinical standpoint, such treatment could be used in the window between onset of a depressive episode and onset of pharmacological effects of anti-depressants. For many people, this period of pharmacological treatment with absence of actual effects can be discouraging and can cause people to shy away from treatment in general. Acute treatments such as this could be incredibly meaningful for those suffering from acute psychiatric distress.