A pill to erase bad memories. Doesn't it just sound so tempting? Surely everyone in the midst of a painful breakup has fantasised about wiping out all recollection of the relationship, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-style? Perhaps you'd like to delete the sweaty-palmed feeling of realising you've just sent a humiliatingly personal email to the entire office, or banish any recall of the day you turned up at school with your skirt tucked into your knickers?
In reality, the drug in the news today is more likely to be used to help those suffering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder after devastating experiences such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters, or other emotional problems. But the idea of tampering with the inner workings of the mind has raised concerns about the psychological consequences for individuals involved, and even the potential practical effects on society.
Studies suggest that beta-blockers, a family of drugs normally used to treat high blood pressure, may interfere with the crucial "reconsolidation" process – the stage at which memories are recalled and are susceptible to being altered. Dutch researchers created a fearful memory in 60 participants by associating pictures of spiders with a mild electric shock – and found that those who were given the beta-blocker propranolol before reactivation of the memory 24 hours later were much less disturbed when shown images of the spiders again than those who were not given medication.
John Harris, a professor of bioethics at Manchester University, points out that a victim of violence who wants to erase the unhappy memory of an attack might also lose their ability to give evidence against those responsible. And Dr Daniel Sokol, a lecturer in medical ethics at St George's, University of London, reminds us that removing bad memories "is not like removing a wart or a mole.
"It will change our personal identity since who we are is linked to our memories," he says. "It may perhaps be beneficial in some cases, but before eradicating memories, we must reflect on the knock-on effects that this will have on individuals, society and our sense of humanity."
And what if the unintended consequences of such treatment included the eradication of positive memories? Would you risk it?
