Influence of the Noradrenergic System on the Formation of Intrusive Memories
- Conditions
- Intrusive Memories
- Interventions
- Registration Number
- NCT02541071
- 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 the activity of the noradrenergic system during an intrusion-inducing stressor influences subsequent intrusive memories.
- Detailed Description
The investigators conducted an experimental, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 118 healthy women. Prior to watching an established trauma film paradigm that induces short lasting intrusions, participants received a single dose of either 10 mg yohimbine, stimulating noradrenergic activity, or 0.15 mg clonidine, inhibiting noradrenergic activity, 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 four days. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were collected at seven time points prior to, and after the trauma film.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- Female
- Target Recruitment
- 118
- healthy participants
- German on a native level
- 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 Yohimbine and Stress Film Stress Film Administration of 10mg yohimbine before the trauma film. Placebo and Stress Film Stress Film Administration of placebo before the trauma film. Placebo and Stress Film placebo Administration of placebo before the trauma film. Clonidine and Stress Film Stress Film Administration of 0.15mg clonidine before the trauma film. Yohimbine and Stress Film Yohimbine Administration of 10mg yohimbine before the trauma film. Clonidine and Stress Film Clonidine Administration of 0.15mg clonidine before the trauma film.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Number of intrusive memories four consecutive days Measured with an intrusion diary
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Vividness of intrusive memories four consecutive days Measured with an intrusion diary
Degree of distress of intrusive memories four consecutive days Measured with an intrusion diary
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin
🇩🇪Berlin, Germany