Pharmacological prevention of combat-related PTSD: a literature review.
Preventing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a significant positive impact on military readiness and quality of life. Few studies have examined whether pharmacological agents may prevent PTSD, and there has not been a systematic and critical review of these studies in order to guide future research efforts. We performed a literature review of articles examining the use of pharmacological agents for the prevention of PTSD. A total of 27 articles met inclusion criteria for the review and their results are summarized. The review points to corticosteroids and propranolol as the most promising agents for future research. Gamma-Amino butyric acid mimetic drugs received the least support. Complementary approaches using psychotherapy and pharmacological agents could also yield good results. Research aimed at determining the potential efficacy of these agents could start being carried out in the field with smaller numbers of personnel that has not been personally injured but have witnessed traumatic events. In addition, psychological interventions immediately after postdeployment could be used in large numbers of soldiers. Preliminary studies regarding the use of pharmacologic agents for the secondary prevention of PTSD are promising. However, much larger studies are needed before implementation in generalized practice.
School of Nursing, Western Carolina University, 1459 Sand Hill Road, G-33 Candler, NC 28715, USA.
Cristina P
CP
Searcy
Leonardo
L
Bobadilla
Winford A
WA
Gordon
Sharon
S
Jacques
Lydia
L
Elliott
D002395:Catecholamines / Q000502:physiology; D018682:GABA Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D013565:Sympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002395:Catecholamines; D018682:GABA Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013565:Sympatholytics; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D008790:Metoprolol