Aripiprazole in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in returning Global War on Terrorism veterans

The present study illustrates the potential use of aripiprazole as part of the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) veterans. Five consecutive cases of GWOT combat-related PTSD, managed in part with the atypical antipsychotic medication aripiprazole, are presented and discussed. In four of the five cases reported, the medication was well-tolerated and was effective in the management of sleep disturbances, such as nightmares and agitated behaviours during sleep, and was also helpful in the management of hyper-arousal. In one case, the veteran experienced a paradoxical excitation response to the medication. Aripiprazole, in conjunction with other medications or psychotherapeutic interventions, should be studied further for its potential role in the management of PTSD.