Overview
The aim of the current project is to investigate the impact of 3mg of oral estradiol valerate on the formation of intrusive memories after analog trauma.
A well-established stress-film paradigm will be used to induce intrusive symptoms in healthy participants. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, the impact of oral estradiol on intrusive symptoms during and immediately after exposure to a trauma film will be examined. The primary hypothesis is that exogenous oral estradiol will decrease the number of intrusive memories recorded in the four days following experimental trauma compared with placebo controls.
This project will contribute to the current understanding of intrusive memory formation in PTSD and may guide the development of future pharmacological preventions.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- healthy female volunteers
- German on B1 level
Exclusion Criteria:
- former or present disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5)
- any physical illnesses
- any medication intake (except oral contraceptive)
- history of traumatic experience, e.g. history of sexual abuse or rape
- pregnancy or lactation period
- intake of oral contraceptives
- follicular phase of menstrual cycle
