Memory function after stress : the effects of acute stress and cortisol on memory and the inhibition of emotional distraction

Oei, N.Y.L. (2010)

Doctoral Thesis

The present thesis contains five experimental studies into the effects of stress on memory I healthy males. Hydrocortisone (and propranolol) administration or the induction of social stress are used to heighten cortisol levels, and consequently to study its effects on working memory performance and memory retrieval. In addition, by using neutral and emotional distraction during working memory, effects of cortisol on emotional distraction were investigated, also with use of functional imaging. Overall, it was consistently found that high cortisol levels, by hydrocortisone administration or induced by stress, reduced the distraction by emotional irrelevant stimuli, hence improving working memory. The current findings might be relevant for patients suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, who typically suffer from trauma-related intrusions.

• Cortisol
• Acute social stress
• Propranolol
• Emotional distraction
• Working memory
• Memory retrieval
• fMRI

• All authors: Oei, N.Y.L.
• Supervisor: Spinhoven, P.; Elzinga, B.M.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University
• Date: 2010-11-18
• Court: LEI Universiteit Leiden