Pharmacotherapy in post-traumatic stress disorder: evidence from randomized controlled trials.
This review discusses evidence-based pharmacotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The epidemiology of PTSD and its phenomenological characteristics are summarized. Focus is placed on the major classes of drugs for which at least a minimum of evidence-based outcome data are available from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Drugs for the total symptom constellation of the disorder, specific PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares, and prevention of PTSD development post-trauma, are discussed. Where appropriate, RCT methodological problems that limit the conclusions drawn are discussed. In addition, recommendations for research to fill critical gaps in the knowledge of PTSD treatment are offered.
Sullivan
Gregory M
GM
Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY 10032, USA. gms11@columbia.edu
Neria
Yuval
Y
D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors