The treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has often frustrated practitioners, as it is difficult to achieve the goals of treatment, primarily restoration of functioning. Far too often patients are treated unsuccessfully with prescription medications and turn to illicit drugs and alcohol to attempt to self-medicate. There is an ever-present need for more effective agents with fewer side effects. Clearly, there is a significant place for pharmacists in assuring appropriate treatment and monitoring is provided for patients suffering from PTSD.
Understanding the epidemic of PTSD, especially that which is combat-related, is the focus of January's issue of the Mental
