Adjunctive risperidone treatment in post-traumatic stress disorder: a preliminary controlled trial of effects on comorbid psychotic symptoms

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.B. Hamner ◽  
R.A. Faldowski ◽  
H.G. Ulmer ◽  
B.C. Frueh ◽  
M.G. Huber ◽  
...  
2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2159-2166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Panahi ◽  
B. Rezazadeh Moghaddam ◽  
A. Sahebkar ◽  
M. Abbasi Nazari ◽  
F. Beiraghdar ◽  
...  

BackgroundUnlike civilian post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the efficacy of sertraline for the treatment of combat-related PTSD has not yet been proven. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of sertraline against combat-related PTSD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.MethodSeventy Iranian veterans of the Iran–Iraq war who met the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of PTSD were randomized to receive either flexibly dosed sertraline (50–200 mg/day) (n=35, completers=32) or placebo (n=35, completers=30) for 10 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Clinical Global Impression scale – Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I) ratings. Responder criteria were defined as a ⩾30% reduction in the IES-R total score plus a CGI-I rating of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved.ResultsOn both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (completer) methods of analysis, the mean reductions in the IES-R total and subscale (re-experiencing/intrusion, avoidance/numbing and hyperarousal) scores (p<0.001) and also in the CGI-S score (p<0.01) were significantly greater in the sertraline group than in the placebo group. For the CGI-I, the mean endpoint score was significantly lower in the sertraline group than in the placebo group (p⩽0.001). The number of responders in the sertraline group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (44% v. 3%, p⩽0.001). Sertraline was well tolerated, with a 6% discontinuation rate as a result of adverse reactions.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that sertraline can be an effective, safe and tolerable treatment for combat-related PTSD in Iranian veterans.


2020 ◽  
pp. 153465012098006
Author(s):  
Stephanie Cherestal ◽  
Kate L. Herts

Post-traumatic stress disorder is often a condition left untreated in patients also meeting criteria for psychotic disorders. While many clinicians who treat patients with these co-occurring conditions choose to avoid treatment targeting symptoms of PTSD for fear of de-stabilizing these individuals or exacerbating psychotic symptomatology, little is currently known about how patients respond to treatment for PTSD in the context of ongoing psychotic symptoms. Additionally, research is scarce regarding the clinical profile of individuals who develop psychotic symptoms secondary to a traumatic stressor, in the absence of any premorbid symptomatology. The purpose of this case report is to outline the case of an individual, “Mary” who developed psychotic symptoms secondary to a traumatic stressor in her middle age and to describe her response to treatment targeting her symptoms of PTSD. Mary presented with core symptoms of PTSD that emerged following a traumatic car crash. She developed psychotic symptoms (auditory and visual hallucinations) several weeks later. Mary underwent a treatment course of Prolonged Exposure targeting her symptoms of PTSD, with careful work done to monitor any changes in psychotic symptomatology while engaging in this treatment. Standardized measures such as the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 (PCL-5) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales were administered to assess Mary’s progress throughout treatment. This case report provides a comprehensive summary of Mary’s 16-week course of Prolonged Exposure therapy, which resulted in a significant reduction in PTSD symptomatology as demonstrated by a 72% decrease in scores on the PCL-5 from the initiation to the conclusion of treatment.


1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Page ◽  
Rocco D. Crino

Eye-movement desensitisation has been identified in a number of case studies to be an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A further case study reporting success is presented. The treatment appears rapid and may represent a potentially cost-effective treatment for PTSD. However, no treatment study to date has conformed to the ideal methodology of a double-blind placebo controlled trial and therefore its efficacy remains to be demonstrated. A minimal but stringent set of criteria for identification of treatment efficacy are outlined. The implications of eye-movement desensitisation being identified as an effective treatment for PTSD are discussed.


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