-
The Primary Care Companion For CNS... Jul 2016To consolidate the evidence from the literature to evaluate the role of prazosin in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To consolidate the evidence from the literature to evaluate the role of prazosin in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
DATA SOURCES
Major databases, including PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid PsycINFO, and Scopus, were searched through August 2015 for studies reporting the role of prazosin in the treatment of PTSD with no language constraints. Keywords included (PTSD OR posttraumatic stress OR posttraumatic stress OR nightmares) AND prazosin.
STUDY SELECTION
Of 402 screened articles, 6 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data (study characteristics, type of intervention, outcome measures, and follow-up) from the included studies using a standardized data extraction form. Only randomized controlled trials comparing prazosin to a placebo or control group in patients with PTSD were included.
RESULTS
The patients with PTSD receiving prazosin showed significant improvement in nightmares (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.72-1.30), overall PTSD symptoms (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.48-1.06), and clinical global improvement (SMD = 0.94; 95%, CI 0.6-1.29) compared to the placebo/control group. Prazosin improved sleep quality (SMD = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.55-1.19), hyperarousal symptoms (SMD = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.23-1.84), dream content (SMD = 1.33; 95% CI, 0.69-1.97), and total sleep time (60.98 minutes; 95% CI, 18.69-103.26). Prazosin was fairly well tolerated. Minor side effects were reported, which were similar between the prazosin and placebo groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that prazosin improves nightmares and overall PTSD symptoms including hyperarousal, sleep disturbances, total sleep time, and sleep quality.
Topics: Adult; Dreams; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prazosin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Wake Disorders; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27828694
DOI: 10.4088/PCC.16r01943 -
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Jan 2022The association between distress tolerance (DT) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well established. This study aimed to provide an account of the magnitude of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The association between distress tolerance (DT) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well established. This study aimed to provide an account of the magnitude of this effect across available studies. From the 2,212 records yielded by the initial search, 56 studies comprised 12,672 participants ( =29.96, = 12.05; 44.94% women) were included in the investigation upon a priori criteria. Results demonstrated consistent negative associations between DT and PTSD symptoms, such that lower DT was associated with higher PTSD symptom severity and vice versa; the effect size (ES) was relatively small in magnitude = -0.335, 95% CI [-0.379, -0.289]). Moreover, ESs for the DT-PTSD association were significantly greater for studies which examined self-reported DT compared to those that examined behavioral DT. The number of traumatic event types experienced (trauma load) was the most consistent moderator of the DT and PTSD association. The clinical implications of the role of DT in PTSD are discussed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Self Report; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 34279189
DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.1942541 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Dec 2017People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Physical fitness is a key modifiable risk factor for CVD and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Physical fitness is a key modifiable risk factor for CVD and associated mortality. We reviewed the evidence-base regarding physical fitness in people with PTSD.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus from inception until May 2016 using the key words "fitness" OR "exercise" AND "posttraumatic stress disorder" OR "PTSD".
RESULTS
In total, 5 studies involving 192 (44 female) individuals with PTSD met the inclusion criteria. Lower baseline physical fitness are associated with greater reductions in avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms, as well as with total, physical, and social symptoms of anxiety sensitivity. Rigorous data comparing physical fitness with age- and gender matched general population controls are currently lacking.
CONCLUSIONS
The research field regarding physical fitness in people with PTSD is still in its infancy. Given the established relationships between physical fitness, morbidity and mortality in the general population and the current gaps in the PTSD literature, targets for future research include exploring: (a) whether people with PTSD are at risk of low physical fitness and therefore in need of intensified assessment, treatment and follow-up, (b) the relationships among physical fitness, overall health status, chronic disease risk reduction, disability, and mortality in individuals PTSD, (c) psychometric properties of submaximal physical fitness tests in PTSD, (d) physical fitness changes following physical activity in PTSD, and (e) optimal methods of integrating physical activity programs within current treatment models for PTSD. Implications for Rehabilitation People with PTSD should aim to achieve 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes vigorous physical activity per week while also engaging in resistance training exercises at least twice a week. Health care professionals should assist people with PTSD to overcome barriers to physical activity such as physical pain, loss of energy, lack of interest and motivation, generalized fatigue and feelings of hyperarousal.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Physical Fitness; Psychiatric Rehabilitation; Risk Factors; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 27628485
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1226412 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jan 2022Dissociative disorders (DD) and conversion disorders (CD) are frequent in general and psychiatric populations. Some evidence suggest that the hypothalamic-pituitary axis... (Review)
Review
Dissociative disorders (DD) and conversion disorders (CD) are frequent in general and psychiatric populations. Some evidence suggest that the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) are dysregulated in both disorders. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to summarize the existing knowledge on the stress response, via HPA and/or ANS, in patients with DD, CD, or dissociative symptoms. We systematically searched Medline and Web of Science using the Medical Subject Headings related to stress axis, CD, DD, and dissociative symptoms following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results suggest that in participants without psychiatric history, high cortisol secretion is related to high dissociation scores. Conversely the stress system might be blunted in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder who develop dissociative symptoms. Stress response changes seem to be associated with the emergence and persistence of dissociative and conversion disorders. Hence, monitoring the stress response and examining closely the history of stress exposure in DD and CD should be encouraged in future larger studies.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Conversion Disorder; Dissociative Disorders; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 34740754
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.049 -
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Sep 2023Alternative treatments for Post-traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) have attracted attention, especially Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) including psychotherapy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Alternative treatments for Post-traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) have attracted attention, especially Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) including psychotherapy and occupational therapy involving horses. In this work, we measured the effectiveness of EAS in PTSD through a meta-analysis. An intensive bibliography search focusing in EAS and PTSD was conducted following the PRISMA recommendations. The search was not restricted by date. For the quantitative analyses, 5 works were selected. They were chosen based on the instrument utilized for the assessment of PTSD symptoms: the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). A random effects model was carried out, showing significant results in the reduction of PTSD symptoms. In the qualitative synthesis, 10 studies were included which showed interesting results in the improvement of PTSD symptoms and other variables. In conclusion, EAS are beneficial for post-traumatic symptoms in the short term follow-up period. However, EAS require further research and major standardization.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Equine-Assisted Therapy; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 37355148
DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104871 -
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry Feb 2024Given the high rate of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use, it is critical that further research be conducted to address the associated...
Given the high rate of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use, it is critical that further research be conducted to address the associated benefits and risks of cannabis use in this population. This systematic review evaluated evidence on the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on PTSD symptoms and PTSD clusters. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases was performed using terms related to cannabis, cannabinoids, and PTSD. Peer-reviewed studies available online in English and published from January 1990 through February 2023 were considered. Included studies were experimental or observational in design, were conducted in cannabis-using patients with PTSD, used validated measures of PTSD, and were published in English. : Extracted information included study aims, study design, sample size and sex, comparator group, cannabis-related characteristics, psychometric instruments, and relevant clinical findings regarding overall PTSD symptoms and cluster symptoms. Fourteen studies were included, 3 in a comorbid PTSD and cannabis use disorder (CUD) sample and 11 in a non-CUD sample. Of the 10 studies examining overall PTSD symptoms in a non-CUD sample, 5 suggested benefits associated with cannabis use and 5 suggested no effect or worsening of symptoms. Four studies reported benefits of cannabis for cluster B- and E-related symptoms in a non-CUD sample. All 3 studies in cannabis-using patients with a comorbid PTSD and CUD diagnosis reported risks for worsening of overall symptoms. This review did not find major benefits of cannabinoids in improving overall PTSD symptoms. Some benefits with regard to cluster B and E symptoms were observed. Some risks with regard to worsening suicidal ideation and violent behavior were also reported. Individuals with a comorbid CUD diagnosis may be at greater risk for negative cannabis-related PTSD outcomes. More experimental studies are needed to determine the causal effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in PTSD.
Topics: Humans; Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Syndrome; Hallucinogens
PubMed: 38353645
DOI: 10.4088/JCP.23r14862 -
Current Psychiatry Reports May 2017The review focused on associations between temperament dimensions and clinical features in different anxiety disorders, likewise in obsessive-compulsive disorder in... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The review focused on associations between temperament dimensions and clinical features in different anxiety disorders, likewise in obsessive-compulsive disorder in clinical samples of adults. A literature search was conducted in the Medline and PsycINFO databases covering the years 2010-2016. A systematic review and grading of the level of evidence for an association between temperament dimension scores and clinical features in each disorder were performed.
RECENT FINDINGS
Twenty papers reporting 18 different studies were included. Five of the papers focused on panic disorder (PD), five on social anxiety disorder (SAD), three on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), one on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), three on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and an additional three papers on several anxiety disorders. The review consolidates the finding that trait anxiety, especially as assessed by Cloninger's model or the five-factor model, is a phenomenon common to all anxiety disorders and OCD. More follow-up studies including large samples are needed to differentiate the dimensional profiles of trait anxiety in specific disorders.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety Disorders; Humans; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychological Techniques; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Temperament
PubMed: 28417269
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0779-5 -
Neurology India 2023Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently follows neurological disorders such as non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and has debilitating consequences. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently follows neurological disorders such as non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and has debilitating consequences.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was the critical appraisal of the literature on the frequency, severity, and temporal progression of PTSD in patients with SAH, the etiology of PTSD, and its effect on patients' quality of life (QoL).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Studies were obtained from three databases: PubMed EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Ovid Nursing. The inclusion criteria were English-language studies on adults (defined as at least 18 years of age) in which ≥10 of the participants received a diagnosis of PTSD following SAH. Applying these criteria, 17 studies (N = 1,381) were included.
RESULTS
Between 1% and 74% of the participants in each study had PTSD, with a weighted average of 36.6% across all studies. Post-SAH PTSD showed significant correlations with premorbid psychiatric disorders, neuroticism, and maladaptive coping styles. The risk of PTSD was also higher in participants with comorbid depression and anxiety. Stress related to post-ictal events and fear of recurrence were associated with PTSD. However, the risk of PTSD was lower in participants with effective social support networks. The participants' QoL was negatively affected by PTSD.
CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights the high occurrence of PTSD in SAH patients. The temporal progression and chronicity of post-SAH PTSD warrant further research, as do its neuroanatomical and neurochemical correlates. We call for more randomized controlled trials investigating these aspects.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Quality of Life; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Anxiety; Language
PubMed: 36861567
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.370451 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Apr 2021Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious and debilitating condition often associated with significant impairments in daily functioning. To date, research on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious and debilitating condition often associated with significant impairments in daily functioning. To date, research on the complexity of functional impairment in individuals with PTSD is scarce and only limited. Yet, a quantitative synthesis and comprehensive review of existing evidence is needed to better characterize the magnitude of functional impairment in PTSD in distinct domains. We conducted a systematic literature search including observational studies comparing functioning of individuals with and without PTSD. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for the different functional domains according to the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The protocol followed the MOOSE guidelines for systematic reviews. A total of thirty-four studies comprising 14 206 participants were included in the study. Compared to healthy individuals, subjects with PTSD showed significant (ps < 0.001) impairments with large to very large effect sizes (ds > 1) in all domains. Subjects with, compared to without, PTSD showed significant (ps < 0.001) impairments with medium to large effect sizes (ds > 0.5) in the domains General Tasks and Demands, Mobility, Self Care, Domestic Life, Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships, Major Life Areas and Community, Social and Civic Life. Significant impairments with small to medium effect sizes in the same domains were observed comparing PTSD to other mental disorders. In conclusion, PTSD has a significant impact on most areas of daily functioning as conceptualized in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the WHO. Early detection and targeted treatment of functional deficits is warranted in this patient population.
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 33548826
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.039 -
Neurology India 2022Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and debilitating illness that accompanies many neurological disorders, including stroke. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and debilitating illness that accompanies many neurological disorders, including stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to identify and critically appraise all published studies that have reported the frequency, severity, and time course of PTSD after stroke, the factors associated with its development, and its impact on patients' lives.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The PubMed EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Ovid Nursing databases were searched for studies published in English that had recruited at least 10 patients (>18 years old) after stroke and who were also diagnosed with PTSD.
RESULTS
Twenty studies covering a total of 1785 patients met the study inclusion criteria. The frequency of PTSD ranged from 3% to 31%, with a weighted proportion of 16.5%. PTSD runs a chronic course. PTSD after stroke was associated with premorbid neuroticism, negative affect, and maladaptive coping styles. Comorbid depression and anxiety also increased the risk of PTSD. Psychological factors such as negative appraisal and perceived high risk of recurrence and distress were associated with PTSD. Good social support reduced the risk of PTSD. PTSD reduced patients' quality of life, physical functioning, and medication compliance.
CONCLUSIONS
PTSD is common after stroke. Further research is needed to clarify its time course and identify the neurochemical factors and brain circuits associated with the development of post-stroke PTSD. Randomized controlled treatment trials targeting PTSD in stroke are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Quality of Life; Anxiety; Comorbidity
PubMed: 36352583
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.359285