Löffler-Stastka H, Fuchshuber J, Wadowski PP. Memory and perception: Child maltreatment, inflammation and implications for psychotherapy. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(9): 115538 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.115538]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Henriette Löffler-Stastka, MD, PhD, Dean, Director, Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria. henriette.loeffler-stastka@meduniwien.ac.at
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Psychiatry
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editorial
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Löffler-Stastka H, Fuchshuber J, Wadowski PP. Memory and perception: Child maltreatment, inflammation and implications for psychotherapy. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(9): 115538 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.115538]
World J Psychiatry. Sep 19, 2026; 16(9): 115538 Published online Sep 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.115538
Memory and perception: Child maltreatment, inflammation and implications for psychotherapy
Henriette Löffler-Stastka, Jürgen Fuchshuber, Patricia P Wadowski
Henriette Löffler-Stastka, Jürgen Fuchshuber, Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
Patricia P Wadowski, Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Angiology, Medical University Vienna, Wien 1090, Österreich, Austria
Author contributions: Löffler-Stastka H contributed to this paper, designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript, contributed to the editing of the manuscript, and review of literature; Löffler-Stastka H, Fuchshuber J, and Wadowski PP contributed to the writing; Löffler-Stastka H and Wadowski PP contributed to illustration, and all authors iteratively discussed the paper.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Henriette Löffler-Stastka, MD, PhD, Dean, Director, Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria. henriette.loeffler-stastka@meduniwien.ac.at
Received: October 20, 2025 Revised: December 3, 2025 Accepted: February 2, 2026 Published online: September 19, 2026 Processing time: 309 Days and 6.2 Hours
Abstract
In this article we focus on research that indicates that the adult brain, particularly the default mode network (DMN), exhibits significant plasticity in response to training of new skills, suggesting that language and creativity-based interventions are beneficial in long-term psychotherapy. The interface between neuroscience and psychotherapy reveals complex changes in brain connectivity, particularly in severe mental disorders (e.g., addiction, schizophrenia, and complex trauma related disorders). The understanding of brain function and perception informs therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the importance of memory reconsolidation and the need for studies in psychotherapy to focus on aspects such as DMN, memory retrieval, affect regulation, and memory modification. The important role of the DMN in internal mental processes, the clinical relevance and potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of complex conditions such as psychotic disorders are illustrated. In theory, memory contents that are not adequately symbolized and/or remain unconscious (for other reasons) are relived in the patient-therapist relationship rather than remembered as (past) memories. This perspective is intended to bridge the gap between psychotherapy and other sciences concerned with the study and processing of memory and its associated psychological, cognitive, and affective functions. The role of memory and related abilities and factors affecting psychological functioning are outlined. In addition, neuroinflammatory pathways are discussed. Research findings on memory vulnerability and insights that are relevant to future therapies are highlighted, concluding with open questions and further research directions, including the relevance of the study by Ge et al published in the recent issue of World Journal of Psychiatry.
Core Tip: The role of memory and related abilities and factors affecting psychic functioning, as well as neuroinflammatory pathways are relevant for future therapies. Research findings on memory vulnerability and affective insights are highlighted in their relevance for pathogenetic and therapeutic strategies. For further research directions predictive coding and inter-operationalization processes have to be focused in order to investigate the therapeutic processing of memory and its associated psychological, cognitive, and affective functions.
