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Posttraumatic stress disorder: acquisition, recognition, course, and treatment
Jonathan R T Davidson1, Dan J Stein, Arieh Y Shalev
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710, USA. tolme@acpub.duke.edu
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can become chronic due to autonomic and HPA axis responses. Effective treatments include exposure therapy and SSRIs like paroxetine.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects trauma survivors, with acute symptoms often resolving but sometimes persisting chronically.
- Autonomic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation are linked to chronic PTSD development.
- Comorbidities like depression and somatization complicate PTSD diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the course and disabling effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- To review the recognition and current treatment strategies for PTSD.
- To identify potential new research avenues for PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PTSD course, pathophysiology, and treatment efficacy.
- Analysis of factors contributing to chronic PTSD development.
- Evaluation of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- A subset of individuals develop chronic PTSD, influenced by physiological responses.
- Comorbidities significantly hinder accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Exposure-based therapies and SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline) demonstrate effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Understanding PTSD's trajectory and contributing factors is crucial.
- Integrated treatment approaches addressing comorbidities are necessary.
- Further research is needed to refine PTSD management and explore novel therapies.