Citation

Maurat AM, Figueira I. Rev. Bras. Med. 2005; 62(6): 231-237.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Editorial Sul Americana S A)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, chronic disorder, associated with high comorbidity (abuse of drugs, depressive disorder, etc.) and many professional and social impairments. In spite of its clinical importance, PTSD is rarely diagnosed (and consequently rarely treated), and few review articles on this topic have been published in the brazilian literature.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different drugs in the treatment of PTSD based on both published clinical trials and our clinical experience.

METHODS: A search in the Pubmed/ Medline database from 1966 until December of 2000 found 13 randomized clinical trials, as well as many open trials and case reports.

RESULTS: Three groups of drugs showed efficacy in randomized clinical trials: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), classic monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclic antidepressants.

CONCLUSIONS: SSRIs appear to be the medication of first choice, principally because they have the best side effect profile. However, any conclusion about the medication of first choice in the PTSD should be considered provisory, since there are so few controlled trials, and the long-term side effects of SSRIs are unknow. Future trials should compare the relative merit of different medications in the treatment of PTSD (e.g., SSRIs versus tricyclic antidepressants; MAOIs versus anticonvulsivants). © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.

Language: pt

Keywords

human; social interaction; Review; insomnia; prevalence; suicide attempt; comorbidity; experience; Posttraumatic stress disorder; posttraumatic stress disorder; review; anticonvulsive agent; neuroleptic agent; sexual dysfunction; amitriptyline; desipramine; fluoxetine; fluvoxamine; imipramine; monoamine oxidase inhibitor; nefazodone; paroxetine; serotonin antagonist; serotonin uptake inhibitor; sertraline; tricyclic antidepressant agent; chronic disease; lithium carbonate; alprazolam; clonidine; placebo; benzodiazepine derivative; trazodone; carbamazepine; drug efficacy; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; unindexed drug; lamotrigine; side effect; propranolol; clonazepam; phenelzine; inositol; alpha 2 adrenergic receptor blocking agent; brofaromine; Pharmacological treatment