Memory-Deleting Drugs

Flashcards covering key concepts related to memory-deleting drugs, psychology, neuroscience, and related ethical considerations.

Memory-deleting drugs

Substances designed to erase specific memories or reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories.

Traumatic memories

Memories associated with distressing events that can cause psychological suffering.

Emotional impact

The effect that an experience has on one's feelings or emotional state.

Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system, particularly the brain and its impact on behavior and cognitive functions.

Cognitive functions

Mental processes that include thinking, memory, and decision-making.

Pharmacology

The branch of medicine that focuses on drugs and their effects on the body.

Experimental drugs

New medications under investigation that have not yet received full regulatory approval.

Clinical trials

Research studies performed on people to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new drugs.

Regulatory approval

Official authorization given by government agencies for a drug to be used widely.

Neural pathways

Connections between neurons in the brain that are involved in memory and behavior.

Selective memory deletion

The targeted erasure of specific memories without affecting others.

Psychological therapies

Treatment methods that aim to improve mental health through psychological means.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Memory consolidation

The process by which short-term memories are transformed into long-term memories.

Placebo effect

The phenomenon where patients experience improvement after receiving a treatment with no therapeutic effect.

Brain imaging techniques

Methods used to visualize the brain's structure and function.

Ethical considerations

Moral implications and responsibilities associated with medical treatments.

Informed consent

The process of getting permission before conducting a healthcare intervention.

Long-term effects

The outcomes that occur as a result of a treatment over an extended period.

Side effects

Unintended effects of a drug that can be harmful or disruptive.

Neurological disorders

Conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Therapeutic applications

Uses of a treatment to alleviate symptoms or improve health.

Memory enhancement

Methods or substances used to improve memory retention.

Brain plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences.

Subjective experience

Personal interpretation and feelings about an event or situation.

Philosophical implications

The broader questions and considerations regarding the nature of memory and identity.

Subconscious mind

The part of the mind that is not fully accessible to consciousness but still influences behaviors.

Emotional regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences.

Memory retrieval

The process of recalling information that has been stored in the brain.

Psychotherapy

Therapy aimed at improving mental health through psychological means.

Behavioral interventions

Strategies designed to change specific behaviors.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons.

Conscious awareness

The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own thoughts and experiences.

Dissociation

A mental process used to cope with trauma, often leading to memory loss.

Mood disorders

Mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or fluctuations in mood.

Personal identity

The concept of what makes someone unique, including memories.

Mindfulness practices

Techniques aimed at promoting awareness and acceptance of the present moment.

Retroactive interference

When new information affects the recall of previously learned information.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals reframe negative thoughts.

Alzheimer's disease

A progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Anxiety disorders

Mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear or anxiety.

Research ethics

The principles that guide the conduct of research to ensure integrity and respect.

Memory modification techniques

Methods used to alter or influence the recall of memories.

Neuroenhancement

The use of substances or techniques to improve cognitive functions.

Psychoactive substances

Chemicals that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior.

Autobiographical memory

A type of long-term memory involving recollections of personal experiences.

Sensory memory

The initial stage of memory where sensory information is stored briefly.