A review of the psychobiology and pharmacotherapy of posttraumatic stress disorder

Objective: To review the literature on certain psychobiologic elements of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as they pertain to possible pharmacotherapeutic interventions. Method: The literature pertaining to the neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and cellular elements was reviewed. As well, both controlled and uncontrolled studies of pharmacotherapy in PTSD were analyzed. Results: The literature suggests that the stress response triggers certain neuromodulators with subsequent psychoneurological restructuring; that various antidepressants have been demonstrated to be effective for treatment of criterion B symptoms; that, to date, a single antidepressant has been demonstrated to be effective in a controlled trial for criterion C symptoms; and that, to date, in controlled trials, antidepressants and a benzodiazepine have proved effective for criterion D symptoms. Conclusion: Currently, a comprehensive approach requires multimodel understanding and multimodal treatment.