Maximizing treatment outcome in post-traumatic stress disorder by combining psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy.
There are no systematic data available on combining medication and psychotherapy in the treatment of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), despite its widespread practice. Careful review of the acute trials literature reveals that psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments each leave a substantial proportion of individuals with residual symptoms. This paper discusses a treatment model involving a phase- oriented treatment approach that begins with pharmacotherapy and continues with trauma-focused psychotherapy. Other combined approaches also are discussed. A rationale supporting the need for psychosocial treatment in the majority of patients who receive pharmacotherapy for chronic PTSD is presented.
Marshall
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RD
Anxiety Disorders Clinic, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA. randall@nyspi.cpmc.columbia.edu
Cloitre
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M
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011379:Prognosis; D011613:Psychotherapy; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors