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Clinical Drug Trial for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Dr Philip Morris, consultant psychiatrist, is conducting a study into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dr Morris said PTSD is a psychological response to the experience of overwhelmingly traumatic events. PTSD has been known since ancient times, often by other names such as ‘war neurosis’, ‘shell shock’, and ‘rape trauma syndrome’. It can affect people of any age, culture or gender. Many individuals will be exposed to severe traumatic experiences at some point in their lifetime. Of those exposed it is estimated that 10-30% will develop PTSD, and about half (5-15%) will go on to have a chronic form of the condition.

Most people who experience trauma will have some kind of psychological reaction - this is part of a normal human reaction to overwhelming experiences. Fear, sadness, guilt, and anger are common but usually resolve over time. However, in some people, the symptoms are more severe and can persist for many years. Such cases may warrant a diagnosis of PTSD.

The primary symptoms of PTSD fall into three groups. Intrusive symptoms relate to frequent distressing memories of the trauma, which can take the form of repetitive thoughts, images, and nightmares. Avoidance symptoms show up as staying away from reminders of the trauma, withdrawal from social interaction, and difficulty responding emotionally to others. Lastly, excessive arousal symptoms include preoccupation with safety, increased jumpiness, irritability, reduced sleep and poor concentration. Sufferers may experience feelings of panic or extreme fear when away from home or other ‘safe’ places. Depression, loss of interest in normal activities, and reduced motivation are also common.

The effect of these symptoms on the family can be severe. Anger and irritability can be one of the most difficult symptoms of PTSD for families to endure. Anxiety can cause many difficulties, especially if the sufferer avoids going to shops, family outings and social occasions. If PTSD is not recognized as the cause of the problems, family members may start to blame the affected person or themselves.

Unfortunately, PTSD can be a difficult disorder to recognize because there is often a reluctance to talk about the traumatic event(s) and personal reactions. Where symptoms are severe or last for a long time, the person should be seen by an experienced mental health professional. Untreated, PTSD can become a chronic and disabling disorder. Family members can play an important role in encouraging the individual to seek treatment and in providing on-going support during the treatment process.

Available treatments include stress management, counseling and medication. Several medications have been used to treat symptoms of PTSD. The most common are the ‘new generation’ antidepressants – ones that work on the serotonin brain chemicals. Although often helpful, these medications are not always effective. The failure of the antidepressants to fully relieve PTSD symptoms has led to interest in the role of other medications that reduce anxiety in the treatment of PTSD.

The medication being studied in this PTSD trial is an atypical antipsychotic. It is one of the group of medications that have a strong calming and anti-anxiety effect. The aim of this study is to find out how effective this medication is in the treatment of PTSD. Information obtained from this study may help to treat future patients suffering from this condition.

Patients who take part in this trial will undergo a complete health assessment, and receive a professional diagnosis, receive study medication, related medical care, and weekly to fortnightly check-ups for the duration of the trial at no cost.

The study is being conducted at Southport, Burleigh and Currumbin on the Gold Coast. For more information phone Deborah on free call 1800 448974.

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)?

A team of medical specialists is conducting a clinical research study of a medication for PTSD.

Are you are aged between 18 and 65 and have experienced a traumatic event which has led you to suffer from these symptoms for at least the past 12 months?

Distressing memories or dreams of the event

Feeling constantly on guard, irritable or angry

Avoiding thoughts, feelings, activities or places that remind you of the event

Inability to feel emotion or feeling cut off from others

Difficulty sleeping or trouble concentrating

You may have an anxiety disorder known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and be eligible to take part in this confidential study.

The study is approved by the Gold Coast Hospital Ethics Committee.

The study includes:

Ø A full medical examination carried out by a physician who will also monitor your condition throughout the trial, and

Ø All trial treatment and medication at no cost to the patient

To learn more call Deborah on 1800 448974

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