Citation

Baker DG, Nievergelt CM, Risbrough VB. Expert Opin. Emerg. Drugs 2009; 14(2): 251-272.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive (0603V), La Jolla, California 92093, USA and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veteran Affairs San Diego Healthcare

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.1517/14728210902972494

PMID

19453285

PMCID

PMC2791537

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from a traumatic experience that elicits emotions of fear, helpless or horror. Most individuals remain asymptomatic or symptoms quickly resolve, but in a minority intrusive imagery and nightmares, emotional numbing and avoidance, and hyperarousal persist for decades. PTSD is associated with psychiatric and medical co-morbidities, increased risk for suicide, and with poor social and occupational functioning. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are common treatments. Whereas, research supports the efficacy of the cognitive behavioral psychotherapies, there is insufficient evidence to unequivocally support the efficacy of any specific pharmacotherapy. Proven effective pharmacologic agents are sorely needed to treat core and targeted PTSD symptoms, and for prevention. This review describes current and emerging pharmacotherapies that advance these goals.

Language: en