Neural Correlates of Stress Hormones

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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To investigate which neuronal correlates underlie cortisol-induced enhancement of memory retrieval in PTSD and BPD.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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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

Conditions
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Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Hydrocortisone
* Drug: Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Hydrocortisone<br>10 mg hydrocortisone orally | Drug: Hydrocortisone<br>* effects of hydrocortisone on memory while fMRI<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>placebo orally | Drug: Placebo<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| brain activation after hydrocortisone | fMRI | 20 min | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| memory retrieval after hydrocortisone | Retrieval of a previous learned word list | 10 minutes | 
| memory retrieval after hydrocortisone | autobiographic memory retrieval | 20 minutes |