One pill to prevent PTSD? hydrocortisone shows promise after trauma

NCT ID NCT04924166

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Rachel Yehuda Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

ACUTE STRESS DISORDER PTSD TRAUMA-RELATED STRESSOR

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

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