How PTSD And Memory Loss Are Connected
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often seen as a condition primarily affecting individuals who have been to war or who have seen other potentially traumatic events. Although it is often diagnosed in veterans, PTSD can affect people from all walks of life, including the very young (toddlers and on) and the very old. PTSD can result from a high-stress job or can be a result of a single traumatizing situation, such as a car accident. Its reasons can be complex, and its symptoms can vary with each person. However, one of the common themes in PTSD is related to memory loss. Below, we’ll explore the relationship between PTSD and memory loss in greater detail.
PTSD and memory loss
Memory can continue to deteriorate into treatment and beyond if the mechanisms behind memory distortion, loss, and failure are not addressed.
How does PTSD affect your memory?
Initially, the process involved in storing trauma can make remembering a traumatic event difficult. In some people, this may look like gaps in the memory of the traumatic event. For others, the sequencing of the event might be off; the timeline involved might be jumbled or unclear. Still, for others, the memory of the event can be foggy or hazy, almost as though it were observed through smudged glasses, which can make it difficult to recall details clearly and efficiently.
Although the most common effect of PTSD on memory is related to the memory of the event causing the condition, PTSD can also impact your mind's ability to effectively store, recall, and synthesize memories received after the initial trauma. Memories might hazy or jumbled, or the memories may be missing altogether. Some of these memories might be seem minor (such as remembering how to get to work), while others might seem more significant (such as forgetting a birthday).
Alzheimer's disease has been linked to PTSD, as those with PTSD may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's in later life. It is unknown the exact reason for this and whether a predisposition for PTSD is also a predisposition for Alzheimer's disease, or if PTSD functions as a risk factor. One study found that the risk of Alzheimer's was twice as high in people with a PTSD diagnosis, which suggests that the mental processes involved in PTSD may also be involved in dementia, and the loss of memory in both may be linked.
At times, PTSD can cause symptoms similar to those of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can make memorization difficult and affect a person’s ability to learn or take on new information. This process is thought to originate in the same part of the brain that controls mood and synthesizes information, which may be why mood, cognition, and memory can all be impaired by post-traumatic stress. This discovery could provide additional windows into treatment for PTSD and memory.
What are the implications?
The implications of lost memories and an impaired memory system can be extensive. Memory is involved in many aspects of life and is a basic aspect of functioning for adults and children alike. Memory is used in school, in the workplace, and even in relationships, so being unable to grasp, store, and retrieve memories effectively can have a significant impact.
When memory loss surrounding trauma occurs, it can be challenging for several reasons. Processing the traumatic memory and healing from PTSD symptoms may be prolonged in instances when the memory is lost or at least partially obscured. Recovery is possible, but these instances can make the process more difficult. For the patient, it can almost feel like re-experiencing the source of trauma once the memory is retrieved. It can also be challenging if insurance or a court system is involved in PTSD treatment. If you cannot remember what happened or the sequence of events involved, investigations can be complicated or may also be prolonged.
Future memory loss can also be concerning because memory is often a valuable part of daily functioning. For instance, a person must have a functioning memory in order to get to work, perform basic living tasks, and take care of themselves, not to mention caring for children, improving their work performance, and handling other matters. Memory and concentration are also linked, which means that PTSD can also affect a person’s ability to concentrate and focus, leading to challenges at work, at school, in interpersonal relationships, and in interpersonal communication.
How is PTSD-derived memory loss treated?
Memory loss can be improved during general PTSD treatment, as many specific PTSD symptoms subside during treatment. Sleep might also improve as memory is processed, which can help improve mental acuity and, therefore, memorization. Exposure therapy is one way to treat PTSD. With this treatment, a therapist tends to gradually encourage a patient to explore the trauma or events at the root of PTSD and work through those memories in a safe, controlled setting. This alone can sometimes break through the memory barrier, and as a person continues exploring the circumstances surrounding or directly related to the traumatic event, memories can begin to resurface.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and other trauma-based therapy modalities can also help retrieve or restore fuzzy or incomplete memories. The process of EMDR can help the brain to relax and no longer hold on to instances of trauma. As you relax and begin to teach your brain how to let its guard down surrounding those memories, the mental images may become clearer and more robust, allowing you to remember or understand things that were previously unclear or missing.
Memory loss is sometimes also treated through more unconventional means, such as meditation, hypnosis, and supplemental efforts. These options may have helped some people but are rarely used in conjunction with a therapist, as there are only preliminary studies identifying their efficacy in treatment.
Can memories and memory strength return?
With treatment, the memories suppressed or seemingly "lost" due to PTSD can sometimes be recovered, or existing memories can be corrected. This may require willingness and trust, though, as the memories that have been suppressed or altered may have been changed to shield a person from past trauma. This is sometimes the case when people witness horrific scenes, including severe bodily harm. Some scenes can be so gruesome that the brain may remove pieces of the memory in order to hold off nightmares, terror, and shock. In the short term, this may be a useful process, but eventually, the memory can re-emerge and may need to be processed and healed.
Getting help for PTSD and memory
PTSD and any corresponding memory loss are treatable. Although relapse is possible, even a 14-week to 18-week treatment schedule can provide a solid foundation for lasting change and relief. If you have PTSD and experience significant memory impairments, or if you suspect you might have memory impairments even without the knowledge or previous diagnosis of PTSD, you might consider reaching out to a mental health professional. If you don’t feel well enough to visit a therapist in person, you might consider online therapy.
Research indicates that online therapy can be a useful option for people with PTSD. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can connect with a therapist via audio or video chat from home or anywhere where you feel comfortable. Also, if you experience anxiety or PTSD symptoms in between sessions, you can message your therapist 24/7 via in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can.
Takeaway
What does complex PTSD do to your brain?
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) may cause changes to several systems, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus.
- Amygdala: Individuals living with C-PTSD may experience higher levels of activity in their amygdala, the part of the brain that can alert us to danger. This may lead to negative changes in mood, hypervigilance, or persistent feelings of fear.
- Prefrontal Cortex: C-PTSD has the potential to damage the prefrontal cortex; as a result, those living with C-PTSD may have problems with executive function and engage in more impulsive behaviors.
- Hippocampus: Instances of severe trauma can have a negative effect on the hippocampus, which is one of the primary brain regions responsible for memory. In those with C-PTSD, the hippocampus may be smaller, leading to struggles with memory functioning and the recall of short-term and long-term memories.
What are the long-term effects of complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD can lead to a variety of long-term effects and may impact numerous aspects of a person's life and function. Here are a few examples of the long-term effects C-PTSD may have.
- Memory: C-PTSD may affect an individual's short-term and long-term memory, as well as their ability to form new memories. Over time, this could affect a person’s ability to maintain a job and may create other challenges in their day-to-day life.
- Relationships: Because C-PTSD can make it challenging to regulate one’s emotions, those living with this disorder may struggle with overwhelming feelings of anger or sadness. This may make it difficult to form lasting relationships with others, potentially leading to distrust of others and social isolation.
- Self-Image: C-PTSD can involve feelings of shame and guilt that may lower a person’s self-confidence. In addition, trauma disorders can carry stigmas that may cause a person to think less of themselves or avoid sharing their experiences with others in order to avoid potential judgment.
How crippling is C-PTSD?
While the term “crippling” is no longer appropriate to use, C-PTSD can be a severe and difficult condition to cope with. Due to the symptoms of C-PTSD, a person may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Those experiencing C-PTSD can also live with a co-occurring mental health condition, like depression and anxiety. In addition, C-PTSD may lead to changes in the brain which could cause problems with memory consolidation and recall.
The combination of these effects may make it challenging to maintain gainful employment, as it could be challenging to form new memories or control one’s emotions. In addition, C-PTSD can carry harmful stigmas that may cause social isolation and make recovery more difficult.
Does memory come back after PTSD?
Because post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect the hippocampus, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the prefrontal cortex, those experiencing this disorder may struggle with long-term and short-term memory in addition to components of their memory function.
While it may be possible to recover one’s memory-related abilities, individuals experiencing PTSD will likely require treatment in order to do so. In some cases, this treatment will involve cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. PTSD treatment may also use certain types of medication. While it may take significant effort, healing the hippocampus and restoring memory gaps or capabilities can be achievable goals.
Can complex PTSD cause cognitive impairment?
Traumatic experiences (one of the primary causes of complex PTSD) can lead to long-term cognitive effects and impairment. The reason an individual living with C-PTSD may experience these effects is due to the way traumatic situations and C-PTSD can affect the brain. While the changes one can undergo will vary, C-PTSD tends to affect the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. This can lead to memory disturbances and alterations to one’s planning, attention, and problem-solving abilities. These effects, in combination with the other changes that C-PTSD can cause, may impede someone’s ability to complete certain tasks in their daily life.
What is the best medication for complex PTSD?
While the best treatment options for C-PTSD will vary on a case-to-case basis and will often include a form of psychotherapy, there are several medications that may be effective at relieving symptoms. According to the American Psychological Association, only Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of PTSD. Other medications may be prescribed, those which would technically be “off-label.” These medications include:
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
- Topamax (topiramate)
- Seroquel (quetiapine)
- Minipress (prazosin)
Does complex PTSD get worse with age?
While complex PTSD may not always worsen with age, it has the potential to worsen if the disorder is left untreated. An individual experiencing complex PTSD may also have co-occurring mental and physical conditions as they age, which may aggravate their C-PTSD symptoms or create treatment difficulties. In addition, the lifestyle changes that occur as individuals get older may make living with PTSD more challenging, like retirement or changes in physical ability. The loss of loved ones, which may occur more often later in life, could also reduce a person’s support network and create additional challenges.
What does a complex PTSD episode look like?
Individuals living with complex PTSD may experience what's known as an emotional flashback. During these flashbacks, a person may feel the same emotions they felt during a traumatic experience, including shame, fear, and hopelessness. Unlike other types of flashbacks, which can involve intrusive memories or hallucinations, emotional flashbacks may not cause any visual or auditory changes. Because the symptoms can be more subtle, recognizing emotional flashbacks may be more difficult. This identification challenge may affect the individuals experiencing the flashback, those around them, and even some medical professionals unfamiliar with C-PTSD.
What are some unusual symptoms of C-PTSD?
While flashbacks and emotional dysregulation may be well-known symptoms of C-PTSD, there may be some experiences that aren’t common knowledge. These can include:
- Tinnitus: Because this disorder can affect the area of our brain responsible for stress regulation (the limbic system), those living with C-PTSD may experience a loud or persistent ringing in their ears known as tinnitus. This symptom can not only cause discomfort, but may remind someone of past memories relating to their trauma.
- Skin Changes: Stress and insomnia, two common symptoms of C-PTSD, may cause changes in an individual's skin. These can vary, but may include slow-healing cuts, scarring, or acne.
- Weight Gain: Stress can also cause an increase in the hormone cortisol, which may cause an increase in visceral fat. This type of fat can focus on areas of the body like the stomach and may be harmful to vital organs. In addition, C-PTSD can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a role in metabolism.
Is complex PTSD more serious than PTSD?
Complex PTSD and PTSD are both serious conditions that can have different degrees of impact on an individual’s life. While neither disorder is “more serious”, those living with C-PTSD and PTSD experience varying levels of symptom severity in many cases. This severity can depend on the trauma an individual has faced and whether or not they have received treatment. In some situations, those undergoing treatment may have less severe effects from these disorders or experience shorter overall symptom duration.
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