glossary

abreaction

Definition abreaction

abreaction

abreaction n. the release of strong emotion associated with a buried memory. While this can happen spontaneously, it is usually deliberately produced by a therapist using psychotherapy, hypnosis or drugs such as amphetamines or barbiturates. The technique is used as a treatment for hysteria, anxiety state, and other neurotic conditions, especially when they are thought to be caused by *repression of memories or emotions.