title: Effects of exogenous glucocorticoid on combat-related PTSD symptoms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Very few systematic human studies focus on changing the underlying traumatic memory after posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been established. Evidence from animal and human studies indicates that cortisol can be used to address traumatic memories. This translational pilot study is based on our previous rodent research in which extinction of fear memories was enhanced by glucocorticoids. The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of glucocorticoids in augmenting memory extinction and reducing clinical symptoms in veterans with combat-related PTSD.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, veterans with combat-related PTSD were exposed to a memory reactivation task using well established imagery and psychophysiology assessment technique followed by administration of either glucocorticoid or placebo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One week after glucocorticoid or placebo administration, participants who received the study medication showed significant PTSD-related symptom (cluster C) improvement compared with control participants who received placebo only. However, reduction of symptoms degraded at a 1-month postadministration assessment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings are consistent with a glucocorticoid-mediated enhancement of extinction to ameliorate PTSD symptoms. The use of traumatic memory reactivation temporally paired with glucocorticoid administration holds potential for developing a viable therapeutic option.
authors.affiliation: VA North Texas Health Care System, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75216, USA. Alina.Suris@va.gov
authors.forename: Alina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Surís
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: North
authors.forename: Bryon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Adinoff
authors.forename: Craig M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Greene
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006854:Hydrocortisone