Battaglia Simone, Fazio Chiara Di, Borgomaneri Sara, Avenanti Alessio
Centro studi e ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestrari", Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Cesena Campus, Cesena, Italy.
Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy.
Curr Neuropharmacol. 2025;23(7):835-846. doi: 10.2174/1570159X23666250123142526.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is mainly characterized by dysregulated fear responses, including hyperarousal and intrusive re-experiencing of traumatic memories. This work delves into the intricate interplay between abnormal fear responses, cortisol dysregulation, and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, elucidating their role in the manifestation of PTSD. Given the persistent nature of PTSD symptoms and the limitations of conventional therapies, innovative interventions are urgently needed. One promising avenue of research revolves around the modulation of cortisol through targeting receptors, with dexamethasone emerging as a critical agent capable of reducing cortisol levels, thus potentially aiding in the extinction of fear. In this study, we emphasize the need for innovative interventions in the neuropharmacological treatment of PTSD, focusing on cortisol modulation and its impact on fear regulation mechanisms. The complex interplay between the HPA axis, cortisol modulation, and fear dysregulation not only broadens our comprehension but also reveals promising paths to enhance therapeutic outcomes for individuals struggling with PTSD, underscoring a crucial need for more effective treatment strategies.
创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）主要表现为恐惧反应失调，包括过度警觉和创伤性记忆的侵入性重现。这项工作深入研究了异常恐惧反应、皮质醇失调和下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺（HPA）轴之间的复杂相互作用，阐明了它们在创伤后应激障碍表现中的作用。鉴于创伤后应激障碍症状的持续性以及传统疗法的局限性，迫切需要创新的干预措施。一个有前景的研究方向围绕着通过靶向受体调节皮质醇展开，地塞米松成为一种能够降低皮质醇水平的关键药物，从而有可能有助于消除恐惧。在本研究中，我们强调在创伤后应激障碍的神经药理学治疗中需要创新干预措施，重点关注皮质醇调节及其对恐惧调节机制的影响。HPA轴、皮质醇调节和恐惧失调之间的复杂相互作用不仅拓宽了我们的理解，还揭示了有望改善创伤后应激障碍患者治疗效果的途径，凸显了对更有效治疗策略的迫切需求。
