@article{ref1,
title="The efficacy of initial hydrocortisone administration at preventing posttraumatic distress in adult trauma patients: a randomized trial",
journal="CNS spectrums",
year="2013",
author="Delahanty, Douglas L. and Gabert-Quillen, Crystal and Ostrowski, Sarah A. and Nugent, Nicole R. and Fischer, Beth and Morris, Adam and Pitman, Roger K. and Bon, John and Fallon, William",
volume="18",
number="2",
pages="103-111",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Secondary pharmacological interventions have shown promise at reducing the development of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) in preclinical studies. The present study examined the preliminary efficacy of a 10-day low-dose (20 mg bid) course of hydrocortisone at preventing PTSS in traumatic injury victims.   METHODS: Sixty-four traumatic injury patients (34% female) were randomly assigned in a double-blind protocol to receive either a 10-day course of hydrocortisone or placebo initiated within 12 hours of the trauma. One-month and 3-months posttrauma participants completed an interview to assess PTSS and self-report measures of depression and health-related quality of life.  RESULTS: Hydrocortisone recipients reported fewer PTSD and depression symptoms, and had greater improvements in health-related quality of life during the first 3 months posttrauma than did placebo recipients. Hydrocortisone recipients who had never received prior mental health treatment had the lowest PTSD scores.   CONCLUSION: Low-dose hydrocortisone may be a promising approach to the prevention of PTSD in acutely injured trauma patients, and may be particularly efficacious in acutely injured trauma victims without a history of significant psychopathology.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1092-8529",
doi="10.1017/S1092852913000096",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1092852913000096"
}