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Amitriptyline for PTSD in a torture survivor: A case study
Author(s) -
Başoǧlu Metin,
Marks Isaac M.,
Sengün Seda
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.2490050108
Subject(s) - amitriptyline , discontinuation , anxiety , psychology , depression (economics) , psychiatry , antidepressant , torture , clinical psychology , medicine , anesthesia , political science , law , human rights , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract The present study investigated the effect of amitriptyline on PTSD symptoms in a torture survivor 7 years after the trauma. After a pretreatment assessment period of 1 month, amitriptyline 150 mg nocte was started and assessments were carried out up to 8 months. An overall improvement of 70% was noted 6 weeks after the start of treatment. Improvement was most marked in depression, anxiety, and in social and work adjustment but less so in PTSD symptoms. Residual symptoms included nightmares, constricted affect, aggressive urges, startle response, and phobic avoidance. The drug effect was partial and likely to disappear on discontinuation. The limitations of drug treatment indicate the need for combined psychotherapy for lasting improvement. Evidence so far suggests that behavioral approach in the treatment of traumatic stress symptoms achieves more stable improvement.