PTSD Treatment Literature

PTSD cases represents a growing expense for society and the U.S. Veterans Administration since the proportion of veterans with PTSD symptom exceed proportions in the civilian population. The PTSD literature is not in agreement whether a “cure” for PTSD exists and what a “cure” would look like. A wide variety of PTSD treatment approaches have been applied with differing results regarding mitigation of symptoms and the duration of the mitigation. Authoritative sources from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia identity specific psychotherapies as the “gold standard” for treatment. Despite warnings, patients have been prescribed pharmacological remedies. In the United States only two drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PTSD treatment. However, a wider array of drugs has been prescribed. The US Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) specifically concluded that benzodiazepines use is not a recommended strategy for PTSD treatment, yet it is dispensed to veterans, although at a more limited rate than previously. Knowledge about relative effectiveness of alternative treatments is still emerging. As indicated by changes in US guidelines, the conventional wisdom regarding PTSD treatment is fluid and in need of periodic reassessment. Research on new types of treatment should be ongoing.