PTSD Treatment Literature: Old and Fresh Approaches

Abstract

PTSD is a brain disorder that exacts large costs to individuals, families, and society in general. Direct monetary costs that are associated with PTSD symptoms of U.S. military veterans have been increasing steadily. Less direct indicators of PTSD costs to society include the externalities of lower economic productivity, family dysfunction, PTSD comorbidities, drug, and alcohol addictions. Veteran awards linked to PTSD are conferred with the tacit assumption that “cures” for PTSD do not exist. Veterans Administration policies adopt the pharmacological strategy of dispensing drugs that have not been approved for PTSD usage by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Despite the existing government policies regarding PTSD treatment of veterans, emerging literature indicates that innovative PTSD treatments are available, that they deserve further scrutiny, and that they may present better alternatives to status quo options. In particular, noteworthy research regarding the use of stellate ganglion block or SGB appears to be promising. In addition to SGB research, literature has shown that approaches to PTSD such as physical activity, meditation, wilderness therapy, and self-help hold promise as treatments. Two treatment drugs, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for relieving symptom of PTSD. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that these drugs are accompanied with the risk of suicidal thoughts, hostility, and agitation. Equally, if not more troubling, the literature indicates that physicians commonly prescribe benzodiazepine tranquilizers (such as Valium and Xanax) to veterans even though Veterans Administration guidelines advise against their use for PTSD. The Veterans Administration dispensed these drugs to almost a third of veterans being treated for PTSD even though they recognized the need to exercise caution in their use. A review of the literature indicates that PTSD is a growing societal problem; that existing treatments show signs of being problematic, and that innovative treatment strategies deserve greater attention.