Cortisol and the Formation of Intrusive Memories

Cortisol and the Formation of Intrusive Memories: An Experimental Approach With a Trauma Film Paradigm

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT02552654

Enrollment

Registered

2015-09-17

Start date

2015-09-30

Completion date

2016-01-31

Last updated

2016-10-03

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Intrusive Memories

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.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALStress Film

Film scene with severe physical and sexual violence.

DRUGHydrocortisone

10mg

DRUGPlacebo

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

FEMALE

Age

18 Years to 34 Years

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

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Number of intrusive memories	seven consecutive days	Measured with an intrusion diary

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
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

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026