Evidence for a relationship of hippocampal volume and HPA-axis activity in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatized persons and controls

In several endocrinologic and mental disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a smaller hippocampal (HC) volume compared to healthy controls has been reported. It was suggested that this reflects neurotoxic and atrophic effects related to adverse effects of glucocorticoids (GC) or inhibited neurogenesis. However, the role of GC in PTSD is discussed controversially. As known from animal studies, HC damage requires prolonged or repeated excessive GC levels. Since GC levels in PTSD patients is reported to be decreased, the preceding trauma is regarded as crucial for H…