Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Thesis with date correction submit.pdf (23.52 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Differential Effects of Hydrocortisone on PTSD Symptom Clusters

Garcia , Monica
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1523196739368854

Abstract Details

2018, MA, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences.
Objective. A number of pharmacological agents have been examined for their possible efficacy at preventing/reducing the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These secondary interventions (administered soon after trauma) have produced mixed results, with the most promising findings being linked to early administration of hydrocortisone. However, effects have been modest, and some previous research indicates that hydrocortisone may be more efficacious in individuals without an extensive mental health history. Due to the extreme heterogeneity of PTSD, it is possible that hydrocortisone differentially impacts different PTSD symptoms. To determine if this is true, we examined whether hydrocortisone differentially impacted the different PTSD symptom clusters. As cortisol has been found to impact memory retrieval, we hypothesized that hydrocortisone would have the greatest impact on re-experiencing symptoms. Methods. Participants (n=33) were recruited from a level 1-trauma center and were randomized into either the placebo or hydrocortisone group. Participants completed the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire at baseline, and the Davidson Trauma Scale to assess PTSD symptoms at 1- and 3-months. Results. Using path analyses, hydrocortisone recipients reported significantly fewer re-experiencing symptoms at 1- and 3-months than placebo recipients. With respect to avoidance symptoms, medication groups did not differ at 1-month, but the hydrocortisone group reported significantly lower symptoms at 3-months. The hydrocortisone group also reported fewer hyperarousal symptoms at 1- and 3-months. Conclusions. Despite a number of limitations, results supported our hypothesis in that hydrocortisone was efficacious at preventing the development of re-experiencing symptoms. However, hydrocortisone also demonstrated efficacy with respect to hyperarousal (at 1- and 3-months) and avoidance (at 3-months). This suggests that early hydrocortisone treatment not only impacted memory retrieval, but also physiological arousal and later avoidance/numbing symptoms. These results suggest that hydrocortisone may broadly impact the development of PTSD symptoms. Though promising, these results are considered preliminary, and should be interpreted with caution.
Douglas Delahanty , PhD. (Advisor)
John Gunstad, PhD. (Committee Member)
Karin Coifman, PhD. (Committee Member)
Christopher Was, PhD. (Committee Member)
58 p.
Psychobiology; Psychology
Secondary Pharmacological Intervention, PTSD, Hydrocortisone

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Garcia , M. (2018). Differential Effects of Hydrocortisone on PTSD Symptom Clusters [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1523196739368854

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Garcia , Monica . Differential Effects of Hydrocortisone on PTSD Symptom Clusters. 2018. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1523196739368854.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Garcia , Monica . "Differential Effects of Hydrocortisone on PTSD Symptom Clusters." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1523196739368854

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1523196739368854
173
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.