Traumatic events, such as threats of death, serious injury, or sexual violence, can lead to significant long-term mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Current treatments for these conditions are often delayed and may not always be effective. With SHIELD, we aim to explore an early intervention approach using low-dose hydrocortisone to target trauma-related mental health problems during the critical days following a traumatic event, before PTSD can develop.
This research includes emergency room patients from four major hospitals in Dutch cities who have recently experienced trauma. By administering low-dose hydrocortisone shortly after trauma exposure, we aim to intervene during the early stages of traumatic memory formation. The goal is to reduce the risk of developing PTSD and other related mental health conditions. This approach is supported by scientific evidence that suggests cortisol plays a key role in the consolidation of emotional memories, and increasing cortisol levels may help prevent the formation of maladaptive traumatic memories.
The study is a multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment. Recruitment of participants will take place in the emergency rooms of Amsterdam UMC, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, Radboud UMC and VieCurie Venlo. If proven effective, this intervention could offer a simple, accessible, and scalable solution for individuals affected by trauma. By providing an early, pharmacological treatment, we hope to reduce the long-term impact of trauma on mental health, potentially improving recovery outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by traumatic events.