Cognitive-behavioral and pharmacologic perspectives on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

The following sections consider biologic and cognitive-behavioral perspectives on PTSD and strategies for its treatment. Pharmacologic strategies examined to date have included treatment with beta-adrenergic blockers and alpha-adrenergic agonists, benzodiazepines, antikindling agents, mood stabilizers, and various antidepressants. Exposure-based treatments have been included in a number of approaches to the disorder, but have received the most direct attention in cognitive-behavioral conceptualizations. Each of these interventions has the potential to change one aspect or a constellation of PTSD symptoms, and must be evaluated relative to the number of symptom domains that each affects.

Book Section

English

Michael W. Otto
Susan J. Penava
Rachel A. Pollack
Jordan W. Smoller

Otto, M. W., Penava, S. J., Pollack, R. A., & Smoller, J. W. (1996). Cognitive-behavioral and pharmacologic perspectives on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. In M. H. Pollack, M. W. Otto, & J. F. Rosenbaum (Eds.), Challenges in clinical practice: Pharmacologic and psychosocial strategies (pp. 219-260).New York, NY: Guilford Press