Pharmacotherapy of posttraumatic stress disorder: treatment options, long-term follow-up, and predictors of outcome.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and disabling condition. Treatment is essential to reduce symptoms, increase the patient's functioning and well-being, and reduce comorbidity with other psychological disorders. Evidence suggests that psychopharmacologic therapy can be effective in PTSD. This article considers clinical data for various pharmacologic treatment options for PTSD; in particular, several recent studies of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are examined. The long-term effects of pharmacotherapy and issues concerning patient management are also discussed.