Aripiprazole in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in returning Global War on Terrorism veterans.
The present study illustrates the potential use of aripiprazole as part of the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) veterans. Five consecutive cases of GWOT combat-related PTSD, managed in part with the atypical antipsychotic medication aripiprazole, are presented and discussed. In four of the five cases reported, the medication was well-tolerated and was effective in the management of sleep disturbances, such as nightmares and agitated behaviours during sleep, and was also helpful in the management of hyper-arousal. In one case, the veteran experienced a paradoxical excitation response to the medication. Aripiprazole, in conjunction with other medications or psychotherapeutic interventions, should be studied further for its potential role in the management of PTSD.
Lambert
Michael Tedford
MT
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas South-Western Medical School at Dallas (UTSWMS), Texas 76104, USA. michael.lambert2@med.va.gov
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D023481:Terrorism / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans; D014857:Warfare
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole