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Adjunctive Minocycline for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Anna Gerst1, Tej Murthy1, Alisandrea Elson1,2

  • 1Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.

WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|January 13, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Minocycline, an antibiotic, may reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. This pilot study showed symptom reduction in all participants receiving minocycline as a PTSD treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health condition.
  • Existing treatments for PTSD have limitations.
  • Minocycline, an antibiotic, has shown potential in other psychiatric disorders, but its efficacy in PTSD is unstudied in humans.

Observation:

  • A 12-week open-label pilot study was conducted with four male veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
  • Participants received adjunctive minocycline treatment.
  • The study monitored PTSD and depression symptoms, as well as inflammatory biomarkers.

Findings:

  • All four participants experienced a reduction in PTSD symptoms.
  • Three participants also showed a decrease in depression symptoms.
  • Changes in inflammatory biomarkers were observed and will be discussed.

Implications:

  • These preliminary findings suggest minocycline may be a potential therapeutic agent for PTSD.
  • Further research is warranted to validate these results in larger, controlled trials.
  • Minocycline could offer a novel treatment avenue for PTSD, potentially by modulating inflammation.

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