Abstract
As a survival strategy, trauma arouses intensive neurobiological mechanisms that, if unchecked, contribute to severe chronic stress responses and disability. Although posttraumatic stress disorder can be considered a distinctive psychiatric disorder, it likely underlies many psychiatric disorders, including depression and mood, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Psychiatric-mental health nurses need to carefully assess for trauma symptomatology in all patients and diverse populations, such as children; adolescents; immigrants; active and inactive military personnel; women; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer individuals. Pharmacotherapy should focus on priority of target symptoms with first-line medications including serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and adrenergic blocking agents. Serotonin antagonists (i.e., second-generation antipsychotic agents) and benzodiazepine drugs are contraindicated and should be used sparingly and with caution. Psychotherapy is an effective adjunct to pharmacotherapy in treating trauma-related conditions. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(8), 7-10.].
Published Version
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