Hughes, Susannah; (2020) Recall of 'trauma-related' events following nitrous oxide: linguistic and psychophysiological correlates of recall. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis aimed to advance the field of knowledge into declarative recall of trauma memory. Investigations into trauma narratives have consistently confirmed that PTSD is associated with deficits in verbal memory, as well as over general autobiographical memory, avoidance or suppression of memories, and negative interpretation of memory symptoms. Chapter one investigated through a systematic search of the literature whether specific linguistic markers, such as greater use of negative affect words, insight and causation words could be identified within trauma narratives in an adult population. The review concluded that analysing trauma narratives enables us to understand the memory disturbances linked to post traumatic stress disorder and thus to develop increasingly effective psychological interventions to promote trauma adaptation. The linguistic correlates of trauma identified in chapter one were used to inform which linguistic markers should be analysed in chapter two, “recall of ‘trauma- related’ events following nitrous oxide: linguistic and psychophysiological correlates of recall”. Together with linguistic correlates of trauma, chapter two investigated the relationship between nitrous oxide inhalation and physiological changes (heart rate variability) during encoding and recall. Early pharmacological interventions have been found to hold some promise in reducing the emergence of PTSD symptoms, possibly by preventing or reducing initial consolidation of traumatic memories. Clinical findings support the utility of novel pharmacological tools targeting NMDA receptor subunits and NMDA receptors have been shown to play an important role in memory reconsolidation. Using existing data, the current study sought to extend a recently published study on nitrous oxide and involuntary emotional memories using the ‘trauma video’ paradigm. The final chapter provided a critical appraisal of the work undertaken in the current thesis. This included critical reflection on the process of undertaking research into declarative recall of trauma memory.

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