true Ellen. Often detachment and understanding can be helped with medical intervention.

Yes, I am concerned about the political use of such drugs, and also about the personal impact for people who have their brains "cleansed" of trauma. But I also understand that some people have such extreme experiences that the rest of their life is crippled. You have proposed the possibility that such assistance could be useful.

therapy is a brave and idealistic course, and many believe that anyone can be helped with therapy, for any problem. I don't. And for survivors of shellshock, torture, childhood abuse, violent attack or the witnessing or participation in emergency situations, yes, some people can be helped with therapy, some cope through their own personal qualities or through circumstances, and some can be detsroyed.

removing memories is scary. but anything that can assist with removing flashbacks, anxiety attacks or desensitising extreme traumatic events, is worth investigating. As with many things, this medical development has the potential to have a huge social impact, and at the very least needs to be watched.

ps ellen, I'll be in the chat room tonight.

freda