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Trauma and memory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

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Abstract

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Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2014 

Anyone can experience a major traumatic event; some are more likely to than others but most of us will suffer trauma at some time in our lives. Most traumatic experiences are processed through a normal response, with or without distress but without the development of mental disorder. Traumatic memories characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder are unbidden, intrusive, vivid, distressing and accompanied by avoidance of them and their triggers. They are often amenable to treatment; trauma-focused psychological therapies are the treatments of choice. Some medications and non-trauma-focused psychological therapies can reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and their impact on functioning.

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