A systematic review and meta-analysis of modulating intrusive memories from lab-analogue trauma

Abstract

Experiencing trauma leads to intrusive memories (IMs) – a hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder which also occurs transdiagnostically. Understanding why IMs increase or decrease is pivotal in developing interventions to support mental health. In this preregistered meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42021224835), we included 134 articles (116 techniques, 606 effect sizes and 12,074 participants) to investigate how experimental techniques alter IM frequency, intrusion-related distress and symptoms arising from lab-analogue trauma exposure. Results showed that techniques (behavioural, pharmacological, neuromodulation) significantly reduced intrusion frequency (g = 0.16). Notably, techniques aimed to reduce IMs also ameliorated intrusion-related distress and symptoms; while techniques that increased IMs exacerbated these related outcomes. Techniques tapping into mental imagery processing (e.g., trauma reminder followed by playing Tetris) reduced intrusions when administered immediately after, or at a delayed time after trauma. Some lab-based results have now generalized to real-world trauma and IMs, highlighting the utility of lab-analog trauma paradigms for intervention development.

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ORCID for Emily A. Holmes: orcid.org/0000-0001-7319-3112

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