Traumatic Stress Studies Division

Evaluation and Treatment

Medication Treatment

For certain individuals, medication can have significant benefits with minimal risks. For the most part, medication treatment, if indicated, is combined with psychotherapy and not given alone. Modern medications allow certain symptoms to be targeted and increase a person’s ability to function normally.

Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs such as Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Prozac, and Luvox) have been shown in a number of well-controlled scientific studies to reduce symptoms of PTSD.

Individual symptoms can also be targeted. For example, some survivors’ primary complaint may be difficulty sleeping, in which case a mild sleeping pill may be considered.

Any individual prescribed a medication through our program is personally seen and treated by a physician who is an expert in medication treatment.