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Glucocorticoids reduce phobic fear in humans
Leila M Soravia1, Markus Heinrichs, Amanda Aerni
1Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zürich, Zürichbergstrasse 43, CH-8044 Zürich, Switzerland.
Summary
Glucocorticoid administration, like cortisol, effectively reduces phobic fear in social and spider phobias. This hormone may also aid in the extinction of phobic responses, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Phobias involve excessive fear triggered by specific situations.
- Glucocorticoids are released during fear, but their effect on perceived fear is unknown.
- Elevated glucocorticoids may impair emotional memory retrieval, potentially reducing phobic fear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if glucocorticoid administration reduces phobic fear.
- To assess the impact of glucocorticoids on social phobia and spider phobia.
Main Methods:
- Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted.
- Participants included individuals with social phobia (n=40) and spider phobia (n=20).
- Glucocorticoids (cortisone/cortisol) were administered orally before exposure to phobic stimuli.
Main Results:
- Cortisone significantly reduced self-reported fear in social phobia during anticipation, exposure, and recovery.
- Endogenous cortisol release correlated negatively with fear ratings in placebo-treated subjects.
- Cortisol administration progressively reduced fear in spider phobia, with effects maintained for 2 days, suggesting fear extinction.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoid administration effectively reduces phobic fear in distinct phobia types.
- Cortisol may facilitate the extinction of phobic fear.
- Glucocorticoid treatment did not affect general anxiety levels.