title: On the role of noradrenergic system in PTSD and related sleep disturbances. The use of terazosin in PTSD related nightmares: a case report.
abstract: In PTSD, sleep disorders represent an important symptoms dimension which is associated with more severe PTSD and increased risk of relapse. The basic treatment for PTSD is not always associated to an improvement of sleep disturbances and nightmares. Alpha-blockers, and more specifically Prazosin, have shown a specific action on sleep disorders in PTSD. We report the clinical case of a young women with PTSD, who was suffering from severe sleep disorder and distressing nightmare. The patient was treated with Terazosin, a conger of Prazosin, and has shown symptom remission. Further studies on the use of alpha-blokers might reveal new therapeutic options in PTSD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salviati
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pallagrosi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Valeriani
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carlone
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Todini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Biondi
mesh_terms: D059331:Adrenergic Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D004325:Dreams / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011224:Prazosin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; C041226:Terazosin; D011224:Prazosin