Psychostimulant treatment of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder

J Psychopharmacol. 2011 Nov;25(11):1568-72. doi: 10.1177/0269881110385600. Epub 2010 Oct 8.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to describe three cases of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), largely refractory to standard medication treatment who responded well to psychostimulant treatment. Symptoms of PTSD potentially result from chronic, stress-induced dopaminergic dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex/basal ganglia system. Psychostimulants, by their relative propensity to enhance dopamine (DA) activity within these brain regions, may have particular value in targeting this dysfunction. Evidence of dopaminergic dysfunction following chronic stress is reviewed and possible mechanism of action of psychostimulants is explored. Psychostimulants appeared to be well tolerated and beneficial in the treatment of the cases of combat-related PTSD reported. General applicability of the use of psychostimulants in combat- and non-combat-related PTSD awaits further study. The potential implications of these findings in further delineating pathophysiology and treatment in PTSD deserve further exploration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Combat Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Combat Disorders / metabolism
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prefrontal Cortex / drug effects
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / drug therapy*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / metabolism
  • Veterans*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Dopamine