Approach to treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults

SRI: serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor).
* For most adults newly treated for PTSD, we suggest first-line treatment with a trauma-focused psychotherapy that includes exposure rather than an SRI. If this therapy is not available or patients prefers a medication, an SRI is a reasonable alternative.
¶ Antipsychotic drugs are almost always used to augment an SRI in PTSD rather than as monotherapy; prazosin typically augments an SRI, but can be used as monotherapy.
Δ Some components of psychotherapy may need to be delayed until the psychosis is treated.
◊ After 8 to 10 weeks at the maximum tolerated therapeutic dose.
§ Switch after a poor response; augment after a partial response.