Low-dose cortisol for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Because elevated cortisol levels inhibit memory retrieval in healthy human subjects, the present study investigated whether cortisol administration might also reduce excessive retrieval of traumatic memories and related symptoms in patients with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


METHODS
During a 3-month observation period, low-dose cortisol (10 mg/day) was administered orally for 1 month to three patients with chronic PTSD in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design.


RESULTS
In each patient investigated, there was a significant treatment effect, with cortisol-related reductions of at least 38% in one of the daily rated symptoms of traumatic memories, as assessed by self-administered rating scales. In accordance, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale ratings assessed after each month showed cortisol-related improvements for reexperiencing symptoms and, additionally, in one patient for avoidance symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this pilot study indicate that low-dose cortisol treatment reduces the cardinal symptoms of PTSD.
Division of Psychiatry Research, University of Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8029 Zurich, Switzerland.
Amanda
A
Aerni
Rafael
R
Traber
Christoph
C
Hock
Benno
B
Roozendaal
Gustav
G
Schelling
Andreas
A
Papassotiropoulos
Roger M
RM
Nitsch
Ulrich
U
Schnyder
Dominique J-F
DJ
de Quervain
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos; D006854:Hydrocortisone