Multi-modal Motion-Assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR)
self-blame, 3MDR, traumatic memories, traumatic, PTSD, trauma
Evidence-based treatments for TR-PTSD and MI are needed to assist in the rehabilitation and recovery of trauma-affected populations. Multi-modal Motion-Assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR) is an innovative, technology-assisted exposure-based trauma-therapy that holds promise for treating both TR-PTSD and MI. 3MDR is an emerging therapy delivered in an immersive virtual reality (VR) system that includes a treadmill and large format visual display. Previous 3MDR studies have used a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation ENvironment (CAREN) system - a room-sized, 3-dimensional, VR-system with a central treadmill, surrounded by 240-degree floor-to-ceiling motion-capture screens [During each of six 90-minute 3MDR sessions, participants continually walking on the treadmill with a clinician standing beside who guides them through 3MDR’s three phases: (A) a Several key elements of 3MDR therapy have been associated with reduced PTSD symptoms. These include: (1) engaging in exposure to traumatic material whereby avoidance patterns are minimized or broken; (2) experiencing and giving expression to emotions in the here and now that are evoked while the traumatic memories are being retrieved; and (3) reintegrating (reconsolidating) memories and sensory stimuli along with affective information associated with the trauma via a dual-attention task. It is thought that these elements combined work collectively to facilitate the memory reconsolidation necessary to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and subsequent PTSD symptoms [The effectiveness of 3MDR in addressing MI has yet to be studied. 3MDR may be a valuable treatment option for addressing MI because it makes avoidance of traumatic stimuli or PMIEs challenging. Research has indicated that it is often difficult for persons with MI to share about their PMIEs both within and outside of therapeutic settings [Unlike most evidence-based trauma-therapies, 3MDR combines movement with exposure and narrative. Physically moving forward during exposure to emotional memories may open the door to new learning and memory reconsolidation leading to mental shifts around themes of guilt, shame, and self-blame [The purpose of this proof-of-concept uniquely aimed to investigate (1) whether MI co-occurs in military members and veterans with TR-PTSD, and (2) the perspectives of military members and veterans with TR-PTSD on utilizing 3MDR for the treatment of MI. Although the naming of the phenomenon of MI occurred relatively recently, aspects of MI have been recognized since the earliest literature on PTSD. As a result, it was hypothesized that MI would be both associated with TR-PTSD experienced by the participants and present in the data from the 3MDR intervention.