Our objective is to present new data on the role of stress hormones in the precipitation of anxiety disorders and depression with focus on the pathogenesis post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

In the morning session we will start with fundamental aspects of stress-related mental disorders from its molecular and cellular basis to the level of systems and animal behaviour. The first three lectures will discuss the implications of genetic variation in stress hormone receptors, the action mechanism of these hormones in nerve circuits and address the question how these hormones modulate memory processes. The morning is concluded with human studies on the role of early adversity in vulnerability to anxiety and depression.

The afternoon session is devoted to various clinical aspects of PTSD. Gender differences in the onset and progression of PTSD are discussed with special reference to its female prevalence. Then a promising approach is evaluated, which is based on restoring the inadequate control of stress reactions by either manipulation of cortisol or sympathetic activity.

The session is concluded with the ongoing studies on PTSD in Dutch veterans using a combination of endocrine, behavioural and imaging approaches. The day is concluded with the Marius Tausk lecture by Rachel Yehuda about clinical aspects of PTSD from a translational perspective. 

Marius Tausk Guest Professor: Rachel Yehuda 

More information: w.rodger@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl

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