Short Course Glucocorticoid Treatment for PTSD

A Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Double-blind Comparison of Placebo vs Short Course Low Dose Corticosteroids on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The purpose of this study is to investigate if a 2-wk course of 20mg/day of oral prednisone in addition to standard care will result in reduced PTSD symptoms or symptom severity compared to placebo

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for PTSD w/ symptom exacerbation (CAPS score ≥ 50)
• Stable on other psychotropic meds x1 month

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past history of bipolar, schizophrenic, or other psychotic disorder
• Organic mental disorder
• Alcohol or substance abuse in last 3 months
• Clinically significant hepatic or renal disease or other acute or unstable medical condition
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, uncontrolled diabetes, rheumatologic diseases