Post-traumatic stress disorder: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

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Post-traumatic stress disorder: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 32-year-old woman with PTSD presents with nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors. She has completed 8 sessions of prolonged exposure therapy with minimal improvement. She asks if there are any medication options that could help in addition to therapy. Which one of the following medications is considered most appropriate to add at this time?

A. Clonazepam
B. Propranolol
C. Divalproex
D. Risperidone
E. Sertraline

Answer and topic summary

The answer is E. Sertraline

Sertraline, an SSRI, would be the most appropriate medication to add in this patient with partial response to psychotherapy for PTSD. SSRIs are first-line pharmacotherapy for PTSD and can help augment the effects of psychotherapy.

Incorrect Answers:

  • A) Clonazepam: Benzodiazepines are not routinely recommended for PTSD.
  • B) Propranolol: Insufficient evidence for PTSD treatment.
  • C) Divalproex: Mood stabilizers do not have good evidence supporting their use.
  • D) Risperidone: Second-generation antipsychotics can be used but are not first-line.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒ Trauma and stressor-related disorders ⇒ Post-traumatic stress disorder

Also covered in Emergency Medicine EOR and Family Medicine EOR Blueprint