Cortisol and the Formation of Intrusive Memories

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Intrusive Memories
• Interventions: Behavioral: Stress Film; Drug: Placebo; Drug: Hydrocortisone

• Registration Number: NCT02552654
• Lead Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany

Brief Summary

Intrusive memories of traumatic events are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but little is known about the neurobiological formation of intrusions. The aim of this study was to determine whether cortisol levels during an intrusion-inducing stressor influence subsequent intrusive memories.

Detailed Description

The investigators conducted an experimental, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 60 healthy women. Prior to watching an established trauma film paradigm that induces short lasting intrusions, participants received a single dose of either 10 mg hydrocortisone or placebo. The number of consecutive intrusions of the trauma film, the mean vividness of the intrusions and the mean degree of distress evoked by the intrusions were assessed during the following seven days. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were collected at seven time points prior to, and after the trauma film.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2015-09
• Study First Submitted: 2015-09-16
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-09-16
• Study First Posted: 2015-09-17
• Primary Completion: 2015-11
• Study Completion: 2016-01
• Status Verified: 2016-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2016-09-30
• Last Update Posted: 2016-10-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• healthy participants
• German on a native level

Exclusion Criteria

• former or present DSM IV Axis I disorders
• physical illnesses
• any medication intake (except oral contraceptive)
• history of sexual abuse or rape
• pregnancy or lactation period

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo and Stress Film	Stress Film	Administration of placebo before the trauma film.
Hydrocortisone and Stress Film	Stress Film	Administration of 10mg hydrocortisone before the trauma film.
Placebo and Stress Film	Placebo	Administration of placebo before the trauma film.
Hydrocortisone and Stress Film	Hydrocortisone	Administration of 10mg hydrocortisone before the trauma film.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Number of intrusive memories	seven consecutive days	Measured with an intrusion diary

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Vividness of intrusive memories	seven consecutive days	Measured with an intrusion diary
Degree of distress of intrusive memories	seven consecutive days	Measured with an intrusion diary