Citation

Rombold F, Wingenfeld K, Renneberg B, Schwarzkopf F, Hellmann-Regen J, Otte C, Roepke S. J. Psychiatr. Res. 2016; 83: 71-78.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.08.005

PMID

27569651

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Stress hormones such as cortisol are involved in modulating emotional memory. However, little is known about the influence of cortisol on the formation of intrusive memories after a traumatic event. The aim of this study was to examine whether cortisol levels during encoding and consolidation of an intrusion-inducing trauma film paradigm would influence subsequent intrusion formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In an experimental, double-blind, placebo-controlled study a trauma film paradigm was used to induce intrusions in 60 healthy women. Participants received a single dose of either 20 mg hydrocortisone or placebo before watching a trauma film. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase as well as blood pressure were measured during the experiment. The consecutive number of intrusions, the vividness of intrusions, and the degree of distress evoked by the intrusions resulting from the trauma film were assessed throughout the following seven days.

RESULTS: Hydrocortisone administration before the trauma film resulted in increased salivary cortisol levels but did not affect the consecutive number of intrusions, the vividness of intrusions, and the degree of distress evoked by the intrusions throughout the following week.

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that pharmacologically increased cortisol levels during an experimental trauma film paradigm do not influence consecutive intrusive memories. Current data do not support a prominent role of exogenous cortisol on intrusive memories, at least in healthy young women after a relatively mild trauma equivalent.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en