Management of adults with PTSD part II: drugs and other interventions

Abstract

Exposure to traumatic events is common, and many people experience some symptoms following such exposure. In most people, these symptoms subside within a few weeks, but for others, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops and may be long-lasting. Part I of this article (DTB 2014; 52: 33-6) discussed the recognition of PTSD and evidence for trauma-focused psychological treatment (generally considered to be first-line treatment). Here in part II of the article, we discuss other possible second-line options: pharmacological treatments and other therapies.

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“…However, for those with more severe or prolonged symptoms lasting over 4 weeks, psychological treatments like cognitive therapy and exposure-based therapy should be considered as the primary treatment option [ 13 ]. In cases of severe PTSD or for individuals who are unwilling to undergo psychological interventions, the use of antidepressants such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is recommended [ 14 ]. However, more than a third of people with PTSD do not recover despite these treatments.…”