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Glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of memory retrieval: implications for posttraumatic stress disorder

de Quervain, Dominique J.-F.. (2006) Glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of memory retrieval: implications for posttraumatic stress disorder. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1071. pp. 216-220.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/46523/

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Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by traumatic memories that can manifest as daytime recollections, traumatic nightmares, or flashbacks in which components of the event are relieved. These symptoms reflect excessive retrieval of traumatic memories that often retain their vividness and power to evoke distress for decades or even a lifetime. We have reported previously that elevated glucocorticoid levels inhibit memory retrieval in animals and healthy human subjects. We therefore hypothesized that the administration of cortisol might also inhibit the retrieval of traumatic memories in patients with PTSD. In a recent pilot study, we found the first evidence to support this hypothesis. During a 3-month observation period, low-dose cortisol (10 mg/day) was administered orally for 1 month to three patients with chronic PTSD using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. In each patient investigated, there was a significant treatment effect with cortisol-related reductions in one of the daily rated symptoms of traumatic memories without causing adverse side effects. Future studies with more patients and longer treatment periods are required to evaluate the efficacy of cortisol treatment for PTSD.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Psychiatrie (Klinik) > Erwachsenenpsychiatrie UPK > Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (de Quervain)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Psychiatrie (Klinik) > Erwachsenenpsychiatrie UPK > Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (de Quervain)
07 Faculty of Psychology > Departement Psychologie > Ehemalige Einheiten Psychologie > Cognitive Neuroscience (de Quervain)
UniBasel Contributors:de Quervain, Dominique J.-F.
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0077-8923
e-ISSN:1749-6632
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Identification Number:
Last Modified:27 Nov 2017 10:50
Deposited On:27 Nov 2017 10:50

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