Impairing the Reconsolidation of Emotional Memories with Propranolol: An Investigation of the Role of Oestrogen in Women with Probable Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders (TSRD)

Interventional A single session of memory reconsolidation blockade, involving facilitated, script-driven trauma recall following ingestion of oral propranolol. The intervention will be timed according to the participant’s menstrual cycle phase, specifically the early follicular ("low" oestrogen) or late follicular ("high" oestrogen) phase (intervention). Scheduling will be based on convenience (not randomised), with the intervention conducted during the menstrual cycle phase that is closest to the participant’s current cycle timing and availability. This session will take approximately 30 minutes and will be delivered by trained mental health clinician. The participant and practitioner will work together to identify the core trauma memory for the intervention and will be invited to complete a script driven recall of the event. Once completed, and provided no adverse effects were observed or reported, the participant can leave the premises. Drug trial Low-dose oral tablet propranolol (APO-Propranolol® manufactured by Apotex Pty Ltd) treatment (1mg/kg for ideal weight; ideal body weight is calculated from the participant’s height). Medication is administered on-site, approximately 60 minutes before the trauma recall session. Participant's tolerability of the medication will be assessed prior to the intervention session during baseline assessment, under observation of a registered nurse. During this medication tolerability session, the PTSD research clinic doctor/nurse practitioner will be on-site to respond to potential hypotensive events and ensure participant safety.