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Drug Therapy of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Jonathan Davidson
Jonathan Davidson*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 3812, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a recently introduced diagnosis. The disorder is quite common, yet often unrecognised, and leads to significant morbidity or mortality. Effective treatment often entails use of psychotropic medication. Only recently has this become apparent, and awareness of the role of drug therapy in PTSD remains limited. A number of studies have indicated efficacy for antidepressant, mood-stabilising, anticonvulsant and antianxiety medications. This review describes the role of pharmacotherapy, by examining issues of diagnosis and recognition of PTSD, the theoretical basis for drug use, goals of drug treatment, dose ranges, and clinical application of psychotropic drugs.

Type
Review Articles
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 160 , Issue 3 , March 1992 , pp. 309 - 314
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1992 

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