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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02541071

Influence of the Noradrenergic System on the Formation of Intrusive Memories

Intrusive memories of traumatic events are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but little is known about the neurobiological formation of intrusions. The aim of this study was to determine whether the activity of the noradrenergic system during an intrusion-inducing stressor influences subsequent intrusive memories.

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Key information

Conditions

Intrusive Memories

Age range

18 year–44 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin

Berlin, State of Berlin, 12203, Germany

About this study

The investigators conducted an experimental, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 118 healthy women. Prior to watching an established trauma film paradigm that induces short lasting intrusions, participants received a single dose of either 10 mg yohimbine, stimulating noradrenergic activity, or 0.15 mg clonidine, inhibiting noradrenergic activity, or placebo. The number of consecutive intrusions of the trauma film, the mean vividness of the intrusions and the mean degree of distress evoked by the intrusions were assessed during the following four days. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were collected at seven time points prior to, and after the trauma film.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • healthy participants
  • German on a native level

Exclusion criteria

  • former or present DSM IV Axis I disorders
  • physical illnesses
  • any medication intake (except oral contraceptive)
  • history of sexual abuse or rape
  • pregnancy or lactation period

Treatment and study plan

Stress Film

Behavioral

Yohimbine

Drug

Clonidine

Drug

Placebo

Drug

Primary outcomes

  1. Number of intrusive memories

    Time frame: four consecutive days

    Measured with an intrusion diary

Secondary outcomes

  1. Vividness of intrusive memories

    Time frame: four consecutive days

    Measured with an intrusion diary

  2. Degree of distress of intrusive memories

    Time frame: four consecutive days

    Measured with an intrusion diary

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Charite University, Berlin, Germany

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Influence of the Noradrenergic System on the Formation of Intrusive Memories: An Experimental Approach With a Trauma Film Paradigm

Important dates

Study start
2013
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2014
First posted
Sep 4, 2015
Registry last updated
Sep 4, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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