Pharmacotherapy to prevent PTSD: Results from a randomized controlled proof-of-concept trial in physically injured patients

Acute physical injury is frequently associated with mental health sequelae, which then accentuate disability and worsen functional outcomes. A pharmacological prevention approach to this problem has been proposed. This proof‐of‐concept study was a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of 14 days...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of traumatic stress 2007-12, Vol.20 (6), p.923-932
Main Authors: Stein, Murray B., Kerridge, Carol, Dimsdale, Joel E., Hoyt, David B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Amines - administration & dosage
Amines - therapeutic use
Anti-Anxiety Agents - administration & dosage
Anti-Anxiety Agents - therapeutic use
Anxiety disorders. Neuroses
Biological and medical sciences
California
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids - administration & dosage
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids - therapeutic use
Female
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - administration & dosage
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - therapeutic use
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Placebos
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Propranolol - administration & dosage
Propranolol - therapeutic use
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - prevention & control
Vasodilator Agents - administration & dosage
Vasodilator Agents - therapeutic use
Wounds and Injuries - drug therapy
Wounds and Injuries - psychology
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Summary:Acute physical injury is frequently associated with mental health sequelae, which then accentuate disability and worsen functional outcomes. A pharmacological prevention approach to this problem has been proposed. This proof‐of‐concept study was a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of 14 days of the beta‐blocker propranolol (n = 17), the anxiolytic anticonvulsant gabapentin (n = 14), or placebo (n = 17), administered within 48 hours of injury to patients admitted to a surgical trauma center. Of 569 accessible, potentially eligible subjects, 48 (8%) participated. Outcomes assessments were conducted at 1, 4, and 8 months postinjury. Although well tolerated, neither study drug showed a significant benefit over placebo on depressive or posttraumatic stress symptoms. Implications are discussed for future pharmacological prevention studies in survivors of acute traumatic injury.
ISSN:0894-9867
1573-6598
DOI:10.1002/jts.20270