A woman going through traumatic amnesia. Photo credit - Getty Images

TRAUMATIC AMNESIA: BLESSING OR TRAGEDY?

Introduction

Traumatic amnesia is a mental disorder that is often misunderstood, particularly in Africa and Cameroon. Yet it plunges victims into confusion and panic, as the return of memories causes chaos. Traumatic amnesia is defined as the total or partial inability to remember important elements of a traumatic event. It is a common disorder among victims of violence.

 

Causes: A Defence Mechanism

Traumatic amnesia is the brain’s defence mechanism in the face of major traumatic events that cause psychological shock. Extreme stress, a veritable emotional storm, overwhelms the body. To protect the heart and brain, mechanisms are triggered that short-circuit the emotional and memory circuits. The severity of the events, the young age of the victim and the fact that the violence was perpetrated by a family member increases the frequency of amnesia. Events that can cause amnesia include rape, life-threatening physical assault, bereavement and situations of extreme violence such as war.

 

Manifestations: A Sudden Return

The repercussions of non-conscious traumatic events can be far-reaching: depression, eating disorders, phobias, unpleasant physical sensations with no apparent cause. The amnesia lasts until an element (word, sensation, emotion) recalls the event, consciously or unconsciously. The victim then relives the event in an uncontrolled and pervasive way, with the same terror, pain and distress, through flashbacks, sensory (images, smells, sounds) and/or emotional (panic, distress, abandonment, anger) recollections and nightmares. Memories initially appear in a non-verbal and sensory way, then gradually transform into a narrative.

 

Consequences: Avoidance and Risky Behaviour

To protect themselves, victims develop avoidance and control behaviours, avoiding anything that might remind them of the trauma (places, streets, etc.). When these strategies are not enough and the traumatic memory invades the body and psyche, the victim may adopt more radical behaviour: self-aggression, endangerment, excessive drug or alcohol consumption. Once the emotional circuit has been broken, the victim feels numbed again, both physically and emotionally, and no longer feels the unbearable anguish of the memories.

 

Treatment: EMDR Therapy

The return of memories, although devastating, offers a unique opportunity to rediscover one’s history and bring the truth to life. EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is particularly appropriate. It helps to identify the trauma, unblock memories and negative experiences so that they can be processed and ‘digested’.

 

Conclusion: Essential Support

Traumatic amnesia is a memory disorder resulting from a traumatic event. Exceptional survival mechanisms are put in place, short-circuiting the emotional system and the memory. Emerging from amnesia disrupts the balance of life. Psychological care is essential to support the victim.

Nana Boutchuin Danielle Maeva

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