Back to Journals » Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment » Volume 6 » Issue 1

Tailoring therapeutic strategies for treating posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters

Authors Norrholm S, Jovanovic T

Published 24 August 2010 Volume 2010:6(1) Pages 517—532

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S10951

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 5



Seth D Norrholm1,2, Tanja Jovanovic2

1Atlanta VA Medical Center, Mental Health Service Line, Decatur, GA, USA; 2Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

Abstract: According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by three major symptom clusters following an event that elicited fear, helplessness, or horror. This review will examine each symptom cluster of PTSD separately, giving case study examples of patients who exhibit a preponderance of a given symptom domain. We use a translational approach in describing the underlying neurobiology that is relevant to particular symptoms and treatment options, thus showing how clinical practice can benefit from current research. By focusing on symptom clusters, we provide a more specific view of individual patient’s clinical presentations, in order to better address treatment needs. Finally, the review will also address potential genetic approaches to treatment as another form of individualized treatment.

Keywords: psychophysiology, pharmacotherapy, exposure therapy, pharmacogenetics; posttraumatic stress disorder, symptom clusters

Creative Commons License © 2010 The Author(s). This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.