5^th World Congress on
Psychiatry & Mental Health Nursing

Biography:

Abstract:

The Behavioral-Cognitive Inhibition Therapy model is based on the premise that positive memories can be imaginarily relived in order to counter PTSD numbing symptoms and inhibit the emotional distress that is associated with the traumatic memory. The theoretical model consists of a number of factors. Firstly, external and internal activating events that set of the pathological trauma memory, other eventual pathological memories, as well as positive memories associated with strong positive emotions. Secondly, pathological trauma memory elements, as well as eventual other pathological memories, inhibit positive memory elements. Memory elements consist of stimuli (un/conditioned, discriminative), response (operant, un/conditional) and appraisal (cognitive) memory elements. Thirdly, due to an inhibition of positive memory networks numbing symptoms are developed. Fourthly, negative trauma-related appraisals are developed, and particularly negative appraisals of numbed positive emotions as well as of the trauma memory and of trauma reminders. Fifth, negative appraisals have a negative emotional impact. Sixth, dysfunctional behaviors are developed that include a non-engagement in activities that were once associated with positive emotions before the trauma, a hiding of negative (and positive) emotions from others, as well as escape, avoidance and safety behaviors related to the trauma memory and trauma reminders. The behavioral-cognitive inhibition therapy consists of the following parts: 1. Psychoeducation about PTSD symptoms and an overall description of the therapy program; 2. Positive mindfulness meditation exercise; 3. Imaginal reliving of positive self-biographical memories; 4. Incorporation of the traumatic memory into positive self-biographical memories; and 5. Positive behavioral activation (activation in activities that were associated with positive emotions before the traumatic event).