Neural Correlates of Stress Hormones
Information source: Charite University, Berlin, Germany
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015
Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Borderline Personality Disorder; PTSD
Intervention: Hydrocortisone (Drug); Placebo (Drug)
Phase: N/A
Status: Recruiting
Sponsored by: Charite University, Berlin, Germany
Summary
To investigate which neuronal correlates underlie cortisol-induced enhancement of memory
retrieval in PTSD and BPD.
Clinical Details
Official title: Why Does Cortisol Enhance Memory Retrieval in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder? Investigating the Neuronal Correlates of Cortisol Administration and the Effects of Stress Exposure
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Primary outcome: brain activation after hydrocortisone
Secondary outcome: memory retrieval after hydrocortisonememory retrieval after hydrocortisone
Detailed description:
The investigators have recently shown that hydrocortisone enhances rather than impairs
memory retrieval in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline
personality disorder (BPD). In contrast, in healthy participants memory retrieval was
impaired after hydrocortisone compared to placebo.
The proposed studies aim to further investigate these findings and to understand the
underlying neuronal correlates. Thus, the mechanisms of enhanced memory retrieval after
hydrocortisone in patients with BPD and PTSD will be investigated by fMRI.
In a placebo-controlled study, the effects of 10mg hydrocortisone on brain activity, in
particular the hippocampus, will be investigated in patients with PTSD and BPD and will be
compared with those in healthy control participants. During the fMRI session, a declarative
memory task (retrieval of a previous learned word list) and an autobiographical memory test
will be performed. Effects of hydrocortisone on resting state brain activity and the
neuronal correlates of memory retrieval will be analysed.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 40 Years.
Gender(s): Female.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Clinical diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
- Clinical diagnosis of PTSD
- females without psychiatric disorders as control group
- right handed
Exclusion Criteria:
- fMRI exclusion criteria e. g. metal implants, pregnancy, left-handedness, and
claustrophobia.
Locations and Contacts
Charite University, Berlin, Germany; Recruiting
Katja Wingenfeld, PhD, Phone: 004930450517534, Email: katja.wingenfeld@charite.de
Additional Information
Starting date: January 2014
Last updated: August 13, 2015
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