Translational psychiatry
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Translational psychiatry · Apr 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialCortisol administration after extinction in a fear-conditioning paradigm with traumatic film clips prevents return of fear.
Cortisol is a stress hormone and potent modulator of learning and memory processes. If administered after learning, cortisol can enhance memory consolidation. Yet it is unknown whether cortisol administration after fear extinction learning strengthens extinction memory. ⋯ They received either cortisol (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) immediately after extinction. The cortisol group showed less fear during a return of fear manipulation (reinstatement) evidenced by attenuated fear potentiated startle responses and US-expectancy ratings than the placebo group. Results indicate that cortisol administration after fear extinction strengthens extinction memory and suggest that it might be advantageous to administer cortisol subsequent to successful exposure treatment sessions.