Directly addressing the issues that are part of post-traumatic stress disorder has been demonstrated to not only serve to alleviate these issues, but to lower the symptoms and signs of PTSD.
In particular, rehearsing the methods of coping with distress (imagery rehearsal treatment), training with relaxation methods, positive self-talk, and screening for other issues such as sleep deprivation have been demonstrated to be particularly helpful in lessening the symptoms connected with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Drugs that Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Drugs that are normally used for aiding post-traumatic stress disorder victims are serotonergic antidepressants (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and drugs that help lower the visible symptoms and signs connected with disease, such as clonidine (Catapres), guaneficine (Tenex), and propranolol.
Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder are less likely to go through a relapse of their condition if antidepressant therapy is continued for a minimum of one year. SSRIs are usually the first batch of drugs that have obtained approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of post-traumatic stress disorder.
These drugs have been demonstrated to help PTSD victims cope with information absorbed from their environment (stimuli) and to lower fear. Scientific experimentation also suggests that this batch of drugs tends to lower anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. SSRIs may also help lessen aggression, impulsivity, and suicidal feelings that could be connected with this illness.
More on the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Other drugs that act indirectly but are potentially helpful in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder involve mood stabilizers such as lamotrigine (Lamictal), tiagabine (Gabitril), divalproex sodium (Depakote), and antipsychotics, such as risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and quetiapine (Seroquel). A few of the mood stabilizers also act as antipsychotics.
Antipsychotic drugs seem to be very useful in the control of post-traumatic stress disorder in those who are known to have irritability, dissociation, hypervigilance, agitation, suspicion (paranoia), or short breaks in being in touch with real life (short-term psychotic reactions).
Benzodiazepines (mild tranquilizers) have recently been connected with a number of issues, including withdrawal symptoms and signs. Knowing the risks associated with overdose also has been significant in helping patients with PTSD.
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References:
Benjamin and Virginia Sadock. (2000). “Kaplan & Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry.” Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; (7): January 15.
Kessler RC, et al. (1995). “Posttraumatic stress disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey.” Archives of General Psychiatry. 52 (12); 1048–1060.
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