Following are short descriptions of recent research on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Keep in mind that hundreds of articles on PTSD are published each year. The articles listed below are a few that have sparked our interest. We will be adding new research summaries and hope you will revisit our site to learn what is new on the treatment of PTSD.

Randomized, double-blind comparison of sertraline and placebo for posttraumatic stress disorder in a Department of Veterans Affairs setting. M.J. Friedman, C.R. Marmar, D.G. Baker et al. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68:711-720, 2007.

Sertraline (Zoloft) was not found to be effective in treating VA patients with predominantly combat-related PTSD. This finding is in contrast to other research studies. Researchers discuss possible study design factors and veteran patient variables that may have influenced the treatment outcome. Read an abstract of this study.

Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder with venlafaxine extended release: a 6-month randomized controlled trial. J. Davidson, D. Baldwin, D.J. Stein et al. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63:1158-1165, 2006.

In this international study with 56 sites, 329 patients with PTSD were randomly assigned to receive flexible doses of venlafaxine ER (Effexor ER) or placebo for 24 weeks. Venlafaxine ER was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of PTSD. Read an abstract of this study.

Comparing the efficacy of EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of PTSD: a meta-analytic study. G.H. Seidler and F.E. Wagner. Psychological Medicine, 36:1515-1522, 2006.

This is a review and comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of PTSD. Results suggest that treatments are equally effective. What remains unclear is if EMDR is just another form of exposure therapy and whether the eye movement component has therapeutic value. Read an abstract of this study.

Psychosocial therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. E.B. Foa. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67 Suppl 2:40-45, 2006.

Dr. Foa reviews cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) of PTSD. In addition, recommendations are given for treating patients who have PTSD as a consequence of the Asian tsunami. Read an abstract of this study.

A multidimensional meta-analysis of psychotherapy for PTSD. R. Bradley, J. Greene, E. Russ et al. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162:214-227, 2005.

A variety of psychotherapy treatments, primarily exposure, other cognitive-behavior therapies, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), are highly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. For 40%-70% of the patients participating in clinical trials, these treatments were able to reduce their symptoms substantially or completely. In addition to evaluating treatment outcome, these researchers evaluate the design of these clinical trials and make suggestions for future research. Read an abstract of this study.

Maintenance therapy with fluoxetine in posttraumatic stress disorder: a placebo-controlled discontinuation study. J.R.T. Davidson, K.M. Connor, M.A. Hertzberg et al. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 25:166-169, 2005.

After receiving fluoxetine (Prozac) for 6 months, patients were randomized to receive fluoxetine or placebo for an additional 6 months. This study supports continuation of fluoxetine treatment to protect against relapse in PTSD. Read an abstract of this study.

Multicomponent behavioral treatment for chronic combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: trauma management therapy. S.M. Turner, B.C. Beidel and B.C. Frueh. Behavior Modification, 29:39-69, 2005.

These researchers have developed a treatment program to accompany exposure therapy by targeting PTSD symptoms (e.g., social skills) not helped by exposure alone. They outline Trauma Management Therapy model, including detailed descriptions of examples for how to implement each of the components. Read an abstract of this study.