1. Examination of the effects of early (within 12 hours of trauma) cortisol administration on subsequent symptoms of PTSD in trauma victims. Specifically, victims admitted to the Level 1 trauma unit of a local hospital will be randomly assigned to receive double-blind, low-dose cortisol (20mg, twice daily: bid) or placebo for ten days plus a 6-day taper period. Symptoms of psychopathology will be measured at 1- and 3-months post-trauma. Secondary analyses will examine the effects of cortisol on disorders commonly comorbid with PTSD (i.e., anxiety, mood, and substance abuse/dependence disorders) and on health-related quality of life.