title: Pharmacotherapy of post-traumatic stress disorder.
abstract: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that may result in significant social and occupational debilitation unless symptoms are recognized and treated appropriately. Considerable research effort has been devoted over the last 20 years to developing effective pharmacological treatments for this illness. At this time, the bulk of the agents investigated include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, atypical antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antiadrenergic agents. Herein, we review the existing evidence base for these different classes of psychotropics in PTSD. Emphasis is placed on discussion of evidence stemming from randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials wherever possible. A brief description of novel agents that have shown initial promise for PTSD treatment is also provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 8939 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
authors.forename: Lakshmi N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Ravindran
authors.forename: Murray B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Stein
mesh_terms: D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors