Tailoring therapeutic strategies for treating posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Seth Norrholm, Emory University; Tanja Jovanovic, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2010-01-01
• Publisher: Dove Medical Press
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2010 Norrholm and Jovanovic, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S10951
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
• ISSN: 1176-6328
• Volume: 6
• Start Page: 517
• End Page: 532
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported by grants awarded to SDN from the Emory University Research Committee (Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute), NARSAD, and the Department of Defense/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP).
• Keywords: CHILDHOOD SEXUAL-ABUSE; Science & Technology; pharmacotherapy; Neurosciences & Neurology; VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS; exposure therapy; Psychiatry; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; posttraumatic stress disorder; pharmacogenetics; psychophysiology; Clinical Neurology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; symptom clusters; PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT; COGNITIVE-PROCESSING THERAPY; SCRIPT-DRIVEN IMAGERY; FEAR-POTENTIATED STARTLE; REALITY EXPOSURE THERAPY; NMDA RECEPTORS
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience; Health Sciences, Mental Health; Psychology, Clinical

Abstract

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by three major symptom clusters following an event that elicited fear, helplessness, or horror. This review will examine each symptom cluster of PTSD separately, giving case study examples of patients who exhibit a preponderance of a given symptom domain. We use a translational approach in describing the underlying neurobiology that is relevant to particular symptoms and treatment options, thus showing how clinical practice can benefit from current research. By focusing on symptom clusters, we provide a more specific view of individual patient's clinical presentations, in order to better address treatment needs. Finally, the review will also address potential genetic approaches to treatment as another form of individualized treatment.