Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025
08:25
Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
648
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Middle Age and Beyond
Leisa L Marshall1, Renée L Hayslett1
11Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Senior Care Pharmacist
|March 26, 2021
Summary
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Medications are second-line options, but older adults require tailored therapy due to potential medication risks.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects adults and older individuals.
- Understanding clinical manifestations and treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical manifestations and treatment of PTSD in adults and older populations.
- To synthesize current evidence on PTSD management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane).
- Inclusion of 67 publications from the past 10 years.
- Review of guidelines, reviews, original research, and prescribing information.
Main Results:
- Psychotherapy is the established first-line treatment for PTSD.
- Pharmacotherapy serves as a second-line option for adults unable to access or unwilling to undergo psychotherapy.
- Specific SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) and venlafaxine are recommended for adults.
Conclusions:
- Psychotherapy is the preferred initial treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Pharmacological interventions are secondary, with careful consideration for older adults due to potential risks and comorbidities.
- Individualized treatment plans are essential for older patients with PTSD, balancing benefits and risks.
More Related Videos
10:43Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
15.5K
05:03Author Spotlight: Unveiling Mechanisms of Stress Resilience - Significant Findings, Advancements, and Future Research
Published on: December 15, 2023
4.5K
Related Concept Videos
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
233
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
233
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
472
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
472
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
343
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
343
01:30Stress and Mental Health
317
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
317
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
317
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
317
01:20Traumatic Memory
352
Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual...
352