Why is it difficult to treat PTSD?

PTSD is difficult to treat because it is stored throughout the brain.

What medications are the preferred pharmacological intervention for treatment PTSD?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors The SSRIs sertraline and paroxetine are the only medications approved by the FDA for PTSD.

Are medication treatments for PTSD successful?

When you have PTSD, it might feel like you’ll never get your life back. But it can be treated. Short- and long-term psychotherapy and medications can work very well. Often, the two kinds of treatment are more effective together.

What are the challenges of PTSD?

A person with PTSD has four main types of difficulties: Re-living the traumatic event through unwanted and recurring memories, flashbacks or vivid nightmares. There may be intense emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the event including sweating, heart palpitations or panic.

Is PTSD treatment resistant?

An individual who, despite adequate treatment with antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, still meets the criteria for PTSD is considered treatment-resistant.

Why do SSRIs help PTSD?

The most common medications used for treating the depression and anxiety associated with PTSD belong to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications work by raising levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

How does PTSD affect ability to work?

Now, symptoms of PTSD can interfere with the individual’s ability to work in numerous ways. These include memory problems, lack of concentration, poor relationships with coworkers, trouble staying awake, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, emotional outbursts while at work, flashbacks, and absenteeism.

Can PTSD be treated?

The main treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are psychological therapies and medicine. Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD.

How many people with PTSD are treatment resistant?

It has been suggested that about 33\% of people in the general population who have PTSD are resistant to treatment; the non-response rates for cognitive behavioral therapy may be as high as 50\% and for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors about 20–40\% (Green, 2013).