Post-traumatic stress disorder: a review of psychobiology and pharmacotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the psychobiology and pharmacotherapy of PTSD.


METHODS
Relevant studies were identified by literature searches (Pub-med, Web of Science) and through reference lists. The search was ended by May 2001.


RESULTS
There is evidence of involvement of opioid, glutamatergic, GABAergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic and neuroendocrine pathways in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Medications shown to be effective in double-blind placebo-controlled trials includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, reversible and irreversible MAO-inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and the anticonvulsant lamotrigine. Still more agents appear promising in open-label trials.


CONCLUSIONS
The complexity of the psychobiology is reflected by the difficulties in treating the disorder. According to the present knowledge, suggestions for drug treatment of PTSD are made.
Hageman
I
I
Department of Psychiatry, Righospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Andersen
H S
HS
Jørgensen
M B
MB
D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
D018847:Opioid Peptides; D012701:Serotonin; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D009638:Norepinephrine