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Treating post-traumatic stress disorder
Successful treatment requires a combination of psychotherapy--aimed at desensitizing the individual to the traumatic experience--and medication. A recent study in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that eight to 12 sessions of a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapy (involving desensitization and progressive muscle relaxation) was better at reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms than supportive therapy. Two SSRIs have been approved by the FDA for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: sertraline and paroxetine. The tricyclics amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip) and desipramine (Norpramin) are commonly used to treat the mood disturbances and anxiety that accompany the disorder.
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