Bad memories can be " replaced " for good, with a light

[Qba]

A group of Japanese and American researchers showed in mice that the memory can be manipulated: the bad memories can be converted into good and vice versa.
As memories used light switch, not a drug or electroshock.

Full article:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn26113-swap-bad-memories-for-good-at-the-flick-of-a-switch.html#.VABN5Nq9KSM

[Pam]

I find this really interesting. That the emotional content associated with a memory, rather than the memory itself can be modified so easily. In this case the implication is that it can be used to treat depression. I can also see this experiment demonstrates how easy it really is to use this technique for mind control. Imagine changing how someone feels about and responds to memory triggers could go a long way to taking control of an individual and manipulating their actions.

[Skyhaven]

The study validates a therapy currently used in psychotherapy to help depressed patients, Tonegawa told the press conference. "A psychiatrist will talk with the patient and try to make them recall their good memories that they have had in the past. This reduces the effects of bad memories or stress they have had, which leads to some of the behaviours expressed by the depressed patient."

Personally I make distinctions between types of depression. There is the I-momentarily-feel-sad depression, and there is Major (bipolar) depression which is one of the most severe life-impacting debilitating conditions a person can experience.

As for the first type this will work fine, but as for the second type I am afraid these tricks will not help much at all... while the second type psychiatrists should really be treating, not the first type.

[Qba]

And it wouldn't probably work on a deeper subconscious or unconscious level.