Pharmacological Treatment of PTSD Karen Newkirk HHS 460 Research Methods in Health and Human Services (CGL1423A) Christian Funk June 23,2014

Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder, characterized by a persistant feeling of tension and an avoidance of a traumatic event or events .
These three symptoms anxiety , tension ,and avoidance are used as targets for pharmacological interventions. Pharmacological treatment is difficult by the fact that PTSD is often associated with other disorders such as depression, alcoholism , and substance abuse .
It is also associated with marital ,occupational , financial and other health problems. Research suggests that SSRIs are the first line of treatment for this disorder . There have been a majority of empirical studies with SSRIs ,and although a variety of SSRIs are used ,only Zoloft and Paxil have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PTSD .
PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans ,but it can result from other traumatic events such as rape , torture ,kidnapping , held captive , car accidents , or even natural disasters such as torandoes , earthquakes ,or floods .
There are many causes of PTSD ,but scientists are focusing on genes that play a role in creating fear memories . Understanding how fear memories are created may help or find new interventions for reducing the anxiety ,tension or avoidance symptoms of PTSD.

Outline of Major Points
I. What is PTSD A. DSM criteria B. Symptom clusters and associated symptoms C. Systems of the body involved in PTSD
II. Treatment A. Basic information about treatment B. Issues with pharmacological treatment C. Problems with research studies
III. Medications used to treat PTSD A. TCAs B. Benzodiazepines C. Antidepressants D. SSRIs

IV. Clinical Practice A. Important considerations for clinicians

References : National Institute of Mental Health retrieved from www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
National Center for PTSD retrieved from www.ptsd.gov/public/treatment.therapy/treatment-ptsd.asp
Calhoun, P.S. ,Beckham.J.C. & Bosworth .H. B. (2010) caregiver burden and psychological distress in partners of Veterans with chronic PTSD .Journal of Traumatic Stress .15,205-212
Bastion ,D.L. (2010) Pharmacological treatment of combat induced PTSd : a literature review. British Journal of Nursing ,2010 March 11-24 :19(5) : 318-21 deKleine , Rianne A. ; Rothbaum .Barbara O. Pharmacological enhancement of exposure-based treatment in PTSD : a qualitative review European Journal of Psychotraumatology ,Vol 14 Oct. 17,2013 Art ID 21626
Sharpless Brain, Barber ,Jacques . A clinicians guide to PTSD treatments for returning veterans Professional Psychology : Research and Practice Vol 42(1) Feb. 2011 Special Issue : Psychological Services for Veterans and Military Service Members and Their Families.