Characterizing the Effects of Quetiapine in Military Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A previous randomized placebo-controlled trial in military veterans posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that quetiapine improved global PTSD symptoms severity, depression and anxiety as well as the re-experiencing and hypearousal clusters. However, it is not known if individual symptoms had a preferential response to this medication. The goal of this study was to analyze the individual symptom response in this group of patients.

Data from a previous trial was re-analyzed. Each of the of the scale items was analyzed individually using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance.

Compared to placebo, there was a significant decline in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale intrusive memories and insomnia questions. In the Davidson Trauma Scale, greater improvements were observed on irritability, difficulty concentrating, hyperstartle and a trend was observed on avoiding thoughts or feelings about the event. Greater improvements compared with placebo were noted on the Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) middle and late insomnia items. On the Hamilton Anxiety scale (HAM-A), the insomnia item was significantly improved.

Quetiapine demonstrated greater effect than placebo on several symptoms. The strongest response was seen on insomnia, which the highest significance level on the CAPS. The insomnia items of both the HAM-D and HAM-A also demonstrated improvement with quetiapine. These finding indicate quetiapine improved sleep measure. Insomnia can be a difficult problem to treat in PTSD patients, therefore quetiapine should be considered in difficult cases.