On the basis of their duration, memories can be classified into short- and long-term.
Memories exist in different forms and rely on distinct neural systems. Furthermore, memories shape our identity: we are who we are because of our memories, which guide our thoughts and decisions, and influence our emotional reactions. Memory, the ability to retain information and recall it at a later time, is a biologically fundamental function essential for survival. In this review, we will discuss some key biological mechanisms found to be critical for memory consolidation and strengthening, the role/s and mechanisms of memory reconsolidation, and how the interference with consolidation and/or reconsolidation can modulate the retention and/or storage of memories that are linked to psychopathologies. The identification of mechanisms necessary for memory consolidation and reconsolidation, the processes by which the posttraining and postretrieval fragile memory traces become stronger and insensitive to disruption, has indicated new approaches for investigating and treating psychopathologies. In the last two decades, great progress has been made in the understanding of the biological bases of memory formation. The formation of long-term memories is a function necessary for an adaptive survival.
