Abnormal cognitive process Intrusion symptom Intrusive mental imagery 2020-03-21T07:56:00Z Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories After experiencing psychological trauma, individuals may repeatedly encounter sensory-perceptual impressions of the event that intrude into their consciousness involuntarily. These intrusive memories often manifest as visual images (such as mental pictures), but can also involve sounds, smells, tastes, and physical sensations. They are accompanied by a variety of negative emotions linked to the most intense moments of the traumatic memory.