Influence of the Noradrenergic System on the Formation of Intrusive Memories: An Experimental Approach With a Trauma Film Paradigm
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 118
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Number of intrusive memories
Study Overview
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.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Basic Science
- Masking
- Double (Participant, Investigator)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 44 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
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
Arms & Interventions
Yohimbine and Stress Film
Administration of 10mg yohimbine before the trauma film.
Intervention: Stress Film (Behavioral)
Yohimbine and Stress Film
Administration of 10mg yohimbine before the trauma film.
Intervention: Yohimbine (Drug)
Placebo and Stress Film
Administration of placebo before the trauma film.
Intervention: Stress Film (Behavioral)
Placebo and Stress Film
Administration of placebo before the trauma film.
Intervention: placebo (Drug)
Clonidine and Stress Film
Administration of 0.15mg clonidine before the trauma film.
Intervention: Stress Film (Behavioral)
Clonidine and Stress Film
Administration of 0.15mg clonidine before the trauma film.
Intervention: Clonidine (Drug)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Number of intrusive memories
Time Frame: four consecutive days
Measured with an intrusion diary
Secondary Outcomes
- Vividness of intrusive memories(four consecutive days)
- Degree of distress of intrusive memories(four consecutive days)
Investigators
Dipl.- Psych. Felicitas Rombold
Dipl.-Psych.
Charite University, Berlin, Germany