Citation

Bryant RA, Felmingham KL, Silove D, Creamer MC, O'Donnell M, McFarlane AC. J. Affect. Disord. 2011; 131(1-3): 398-401.

Affiliation

University of New South Wales, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jad.2010.10.049

PMID

21093927

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Women in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle have been shown to have stronger emotional memories than other women. We investigated the extent to which experiencing a traumatic event during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is associated with stronger traumatic flashback memories. METHODS: Consecutive female patients admitted to hospital after traumatic injury (n=138) were assessed for days since last menstruation, as well as assessment of flashbacks. Twenty three (17%) women were in the mid-luteal phase (18-24) days at the time of trauma exposure and 29 (21%) were in the mid-luteal phase at the time of assessment. RESULTS: Women were more likely to experience flashback memories if they were in the luteal phase during the trauma (22% vs. 9%), adjusted OR: 3.64 [95%CI: 0.99-13.29] after controlling for injury severity, age, trauma type, and mild traumatic brain injury. Women in the luteal phase at assessment were 4.89 times more likely to have flashbacks. Adjusted OR: 4.89 [95%CI: 1.39-17.86]. CONCLUSIONS: Increased glucocorticoid release associated with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may facilitate consolidation of trauma memories.

Language: en