Gong, An Tong;
(2018)
Intrusive Memories Following a Single Dose of Hydrocortisone: Examining the Effect of Hydrocortisone on Intrusive Memories in Healthy Volunteers.
Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
This thesis focuses on the effects of pharmacological strategies on the development of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) in the context of interpersonal violence. Part 1 reviews research literature examining the effects of pre-assault substance consumption on PTSD symptoms amongst victims of sexual assault. Specifically, it investigates the effects of acute substance intoxication and chronic preassault problematic substance use on the severity and course of PTSD symptoms. The review highlights characterological self-blame and negative social reactions as significant mediators of PTSD recovery in the context of pre-assault substance consumption. Part 2 comprises an empirical study investigating the effects of a single dose of hydrocortisone on intrusive and declarative memories using the trauma film paradigm in a sample of female healthy participants. The findings highlight that hydrocortisone orally administered within the memory consolidation period can effectively reduce intrusive memories. Compared to the placebo group, although declarative memory was unaffected, the frequency and vividness of intrusive memories were significantly reduced in the hydrocortisone group. This research project was jointly conducted with another trainee from University College London (UCL) who investigated the effects of propranolol on intrusive and declarative memories and used the same placebo group. Part 3, the critical appraisal, sets out a number of reflections on the process of conducting the research project. The appraisal discusses personal assumptions for this project and how they were challenged and modified. The implications of the current project for future work are also considered.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | D.Clin.Psy |
| Title: | Intrusive Memories Following a Single Dose of Hydrocortisone: Examining the Effect of Hydrocortisone on Intrusive Memories in Healthy Volunteers |
| Event: | UCL (University College London) |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Keywords: | PTSD, Psychopharmacology, hydrocortisone, intrusive memory |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences > Clinical, Edu and Hlth Psychology |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10056976 |
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