Novel pharmacological treatment strategies for posttraumatic stress disorder.
A wide range of medications have been studied for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a number are registered for this indication. Nevertheless, current pharmacotherapies are only partially effective in some patients, and are minimally effective in others. Thus novel treatment avenues need to be explored. Areas covered: In considering novel pharmacological agents for the treatment of PTSD, this paper takes a translational approach. We outline how advances in our understanding of the underlying neurobiology of PTSD may inform the identification of potential new treatment targets, including glutamatergic, noradrenergic and opioid pathways. Expert commentary: Continued investigation of the neural substrates and signalling pathways involved in responses to trauma may inform the development of novel treatment targets for future drug development for PTSD. However, the translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice is likely to be complex and gradual.
a Division of Consultation Liaison, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa.
Eileen
E
Thomas
b US/UCT MRC Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa.
Dan J
DJ
Stein
D018683:Excitatory Amino Acid Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D053610:Opiate Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018683:Excitatory Amino Acid Agents; D053610:Opiate Alkaloids; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D013566:Sympathomimetics
Ketamine; neurobiology; novel; pharmacotherapy; posttraumatic stress disorder