Proposing an algorithm for the pharmacological management of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Abstract

The clinical management of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is as complex as the condition itself. Pharmacotherapy is an important component of this treatment process, which also includes psychosocial interventions and, in most cases, entails long-term efforts. The authors propose a systematic approach to the pharmacological treatment of PTSD using algorithmic techniques. After a careful history-taking phase and a review of available psychotropic agents, the practitioner usually ends up dealing with either PTSD alone or, more frequently, accompanied by other identifiable syndromes. Various antidepressants have demonstrated efficacy in the former, while the latter requires a management aimed at depressive, anxiety/dissociative, hypomanic/manic, or psychotic symptoms. The proposed algorithm provide guidelines for treatment issues such as medication choice, medication dose, maintenance pharmacotherapy, alternative options, and eventual outcomes. Algorithms summarize current information and suggest pharmacotherapy guidelines as a significant component of a comprehensive PTSD management program.