scholarly journals The role of memory in posttraumatic stress disorder: implications for clinical practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Montagner Rigoli ◽  
Gustavo Ramos Silva ◽  
Fernando Rainho de Oliveira ◽  
Giovanni Kuckartz Pergher ◽  
Christian Haag Kristensen
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Future Research

Abstract Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent disorder with important social consequences. Several models have been developed with the aim of understanding the mechanisms underlying its symptoms. Intrusions are idiosyncratic symptoms that commonly take the form of involuntary recollection of images or flashbacks about the traumatic event. Objective: To review how memory is conceptualized in each of these models and the implications for clinical practice. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted through analysis of the perspectives of memory in theoretical models of PTSD. Results: Two main perspectives were identified: 1) models in which specific mechanisms of memory for processing traumatic events are proposed, especially those based on clinical studies, and 2) models in which common mnemonic mechanisms are utilized to explain the phenomenon, primarily based on basic experimental research studies investigating memory. The different theories based on these approaches have led to distinct psychotherapy interventions. Conclusion: In order to clarify these discrepancies, future research should aim for the methodological rigor of experimental studies, while maintaining the ecological applicability of findings. Cognitive experimental psychopathology is therefore an area on which research funding should be focused. Such studies could elucidate the role of mnemonic aspects in PTSD and how they impact psychological treatments.

A perspective on the contribution of animal models to the pharmacological treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Bertaina-Anglade ◽  
Susan M O’Connor ◽  
Emile Andriambeloson
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Off Label ◽  
Dsm 5

Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, chronic, disabling disorder that may develop following exposure to a traumatic event. This review summarizes currently used animal models of PTSD and their potential role in the development of better therapeutics. Heterogeneity is one of the main characteristics of PTSD with the consequence that many pharmacological approaches are used to relieve symptoms of PTSD. To address the translational properties of the animal models, we discuss the types of stressors used, the rodent correlates of human PTSD (DSM-5) symptoms, and the efficacy of approved, recommended and off-label drugs used to treat PTSD in ‘PTSD-animals’. Conclusions: Currently available animal models reproduce most PTSD symptoms and are validated by existing therapeutics. However, novel therapeutics are needed for this disorder as not one drug alleviates all symptoms and many have side effects that lead to non-compliance among PTSD patients. The true translational power of animal models of PTSD will only be demonstrated when new therapeutics acting through novel mechanisms become available for clinical practice.

Pharmacotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Empirical Review and Clinical Recommendations

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 674-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Cooper ◽  
Jessica Carty ◽  
Mark Creamer
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
Open Label

Objective: Growing awareness of the psychological effects of trauma has emphasized the need for clinicians across a range of practice settings to be aware of evidence-based treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this article is to review the available empirical data on pharmacological approaches to PTSD and to provide recommendations for clinical practice. Method: Although a comprehensive search of PsychInfo and Medline databases revealed a multitude of case reports and open-label trials, this paper focuses primarily on evidence obtained from randomized controlled trials to determine the most effective pharmacological treatments for PTSD. Results: The research data overwhelmingly supports antidepressant medication as the first-line pharmacotherapy for PTSD, with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors having the strongest body of empirical support. Other medications, and with care, combination pharmacotherapy, may also have a role in the management of certain presentations. Cautions for clinicians in treating this complex disorder are provided. Conclusions: Despite a substantial increase in the amount and quality of research into pharmacological treatments for PTSD in recent years, there is still a pressing need for more data to guide routine clinical practice. In particular, future research regarding the psychobiological basis of PTSD may guide the development of a PTSD-specific drug, designed to treat the unique characteristics of this disorder.

No role for benzodiazepines in posttraumatic stress disorder? A surplus of certainty despite scarce evidence

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladan Starcevic
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
The Core ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Objective: This article addresses some of the controversies about the role of benzodiazepines in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusions: Benzodiazepines have been admonished in treatment guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder, but this is based on very little solid evidence. Although benzodiazepines do not seem to be effective in the treatment of the core posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, their careful use as adjunctive agents for the symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disturbance may be useful. Future research needs to identify predictors of improved treatment outcomes in posttraumatic stress disorder with use of benzodiazepines.

scholarly journals The Role of Disgust in Posttraumatic Stress

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. pr.032813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christal L. Badour ◽  
Matthew T. Feldner
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Symptom ◽  
Retrospective Report ◽  
Stress Symptom ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

The current review provides a detailed analysis of the burgeoning literature examining the role of disgust in understanding posttraumatic stress symptomatology. Research in this area generally converges to suggest (1) posttraumatic stress is associated with the experience of elevated disgust, (2) individual differences in disgust vulnerabilities may relate to increased posttraumatic stress symptom levels, (3) retrospective report of peritraumatic disgust is related to posttraumatic stress symptom levels, and (4) posttraumatic stress symptom levels appear to be associated with increased disgust, including in response to traumatic event cues. Importantly, much of this research suggests observed relations between disgust and posttraumatic stress are at least somewhat unique from relations between fear/anxiety and posttraumatic stress. Future research is now needed to identify mechanisms involved in these relations in order to inform the prevention and treatment of disgust-related posttraumatic stress disorder.

Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Comorbidity

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Najavits ◽  
Nicole M. Capezza
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Temporal Priority ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Shared Risk

Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly comorbid diagnoses following a traumatic event. In this chapter, we explore a range of topics related to comorbid depression and PTSD, including impact, prevalence, shared risk factors, temporal priority, key research areas, intervention strategies, and future research directions. Given the overlap in symptoms and shared risk factors, some researchers have suggested that the comorbidity between depression and PTSD following a traumatic event may be better understood as a single general mood disorder rather than two separate disorders. We examine evidence supporting both possibilities. We briefly review the two research areas that have received the most attention, namely comorbidity related to military traumas and interpersonal abuse. Practical implications, assessments, interventions, and treatment recommendations are also discussed.

Dispositional mindfulness mediates the relations between neuroticism and posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in Chinese adolescents after a tornado

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 482-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan An ◽  
Gan Fu ◽  
Guangzhe Yuan ◽  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Wei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Chinese Adolescents ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Fit Index ◽  
The Relationship

Previous studies have shown that neuroticism is associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. This study investigated dispositional mindfulness as one pathway in which neuroticism is related to PTSD and depression symptoms among Chinese adolescents who have experienced trauma by considering the role of dispositional mindfulness. Participants were 443 Chinese adolescents who had experienced a severe tornado a year prior to this study. The results showed that our model fitted the data well ( χ2 /df = 2.113, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.981, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.969, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) (90% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.061 [0.047, 0.080]) and revealed that dispositional mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and PTSD and depression symptoms. The clinical implications and limitations of our research and recommendations for future research are discussed in this article.

scholarly journals Differences in International Guidelines Regarding EMDR for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Why They Diverge and Suggestions for Future Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 247-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dominguez ◽  
Christopher W. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
American Psychological Association ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Stress Studies

In the last 24 months, three separate practice guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have emerged from well-respected organizations that differed in the degree to which they recommend eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment. An international guideline was published by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and national guidelines were published by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE). ISTSS reported that EMDR was effective and as potent as the best available therapies we can currently provide. NICE was more circumspect, and APA suggested other treatments had a stronger evidence base. In this review we focus on how these differences emerged and highlight the role of the time when the analysis was conducted, differences in inclusion criteria, and errors in determining appropriate measures. The 2017 APA guidelines were found to have the least validity when all these factors were considered. However, the fact that evaluating EMDR research is susceptible to such variations in methodology highlights certain research priorities that are then discussed.

scholarly journals Prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and threat processing: implications for PTSD

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Alexandra Kredlow ◽  
Robert J. Fenster ◽  
Emma S. Laurent ◽  
Kerry J. Ressler ◽  
Elizabeth A. Phelps
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Foundational Research ◽  
Future Research Directions

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder can be viewed as a disorder of fear dysregulation. An abundance of research suggests that the prefrontal cortex is central to fear processing—that is, how fears are acquired and strategies to regulate or diminish fear responses. The current review covers foundational research on threat or fear acquisition and extinction in nonhuman animals, healthy humans, and patients with posttraumatic stress disorder, through the lens of the involvement of the prefrontal cortex in these processes. Research harnessing advances in technology to further probe the role of the prefrontal cortex in these processes, such as the use of optogenetics in rodents and brain stimulation in humans, will be highlighted, as well other fear regulation approaches that are relevant to the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and involve the prefrontal cortex, namely cognitive regulation and avoidance/active coping. Despite the large body of translational research, many questions remain unanswered and posttraumatic stress disorder remains difficult to treat. We conclude by outlining future research directions related to the role of the prefrontal cortex in fear processing and implications for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Injury Increases the Risk for PTSD: An Examination of Potential Neurobiological and Psychological Mediators

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 616-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny Koren ◽  
Deborah Hemel ◽  
Ehud Klein
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical Injury ◽  
Psychological Mechanisms ◽  
Bodily Injury ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Pertinent Question

ABSTRACTA growing number of common traumatic events involve both physical and emotional injuries. In contrast to previously held beliefs, the rapidly growing body of literature shows quite convincingly that physical injury, over and above exposure to the traumatic event itself, increases rather than decreases the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A pertinent question becomes how bodily injury contributes to the risk of developing PTSD. In this article, we review contemporary findings regarding the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms by which bodily injury may augment or independently contribute to chronic posttraumatic stress. In addition, we propose three theoretical pathways through which physical injury can increase the risk for PTSD. These pathways are: additive, unique, and recovery impeding. Finally, we highlight unresolved issues pertaining to each one of these pathways and propose directions for future research to address them.

Social Support, Emotional Intelligence, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Hofman ◽  
Austin M. Hahn ◽  
Christine K. Tirabassi ◽  
Raluca M. Gaher
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. Exposure to traumatic events and the associated risk of developing Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is a significant and overlooked concern in the college population. It is important for current research to identify potential protective factors associated with the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms unique to this population. Emotional intelligence and perceived social support are two identified protective factors that influence the association between exposure to traumatic events and PTSD symptomology. The current study examined the mediating role of social support in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PTSD symptoms. Participants included 443 trauma-exposed university students who completed online questionnaires. The results of this study indicated that social support mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and reported PTSD symptoms. Thus, emotional intelligence is significantly associated with PTSD symptoms and social support may play an integral role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PTSD. The current study is the first to investigate the role of social support in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PTSD symptoms. These findings have important treatment and prevention implications with regard to PTSD.

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