One pill to prevent PTSD? hydrocortisone shows promise after trauma

NCT ID NCT04924166

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a single dose of hydrocortisone, given within 6 hours of a traumatic event, could prevent PTSD. 201 trauma survivors from two hospitals received either hydrocortisone or a placebo. Researchers tracked their mental health for 28 weeks to see if the drug reduced PTSD symptoms and boosted recovery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

hydrocortisone

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a simple, one-time treatment to prevent PTSD after a traumatic event.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 trial with 201 participants, so results are still early. The effect may be small or not apply to everyone, and side effects from a single high dose of hydrocortisone are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PTSD are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute stress disorder Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute post-traumatic stress disorder prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    New York, New York, 10029, United States

  • Mount Sinai Morningside Emergency Department

    New York, New York, 10025, United States

  • The Chaim Sheba Medical Center

    Ramat Gan, Israel