Use of antipsychotics in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder

Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2005 Apr;2(4):43-7.

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and disabling psychiatric syndrome. With the advent of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), major strides have been made in the realms of pharmacotherapy. The multiplicity of symptom complex includes specific target symptoms, such as intrusiveness, aggression, sleep disturbances, and co-existing psychotic symptoms. Consequently, atypical antipsychotics gradually have been gaining ground in terms of adjunctive utilization. The purpose of this review is to look into the available evidence for their adjunctive use in this chronic disorder.