Article

Sleep disturbances are among the most commonly reported posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) symptoms. It is essential to conduct a careful assessment of the
presenting sleep disturbance to select the optimal available treatment.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) are at least as effective as pharmacologic
treatment in the short-term and more enduring in their beneficial effects.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia and imagery rehearsal therapy have
been developed to specifically treat insomnia and nightmares and offer promise
for more effective relief of these very distressing symptoms. Pharmacotherapy
continues to be an important treatment choice for PTSD sleep disturbances as an
adjunct to CBT, when CBT is ineffective or not available, or when the patient
declines CBT. Great need exists for more investigation into the effectiveness of
specific pharmacologic agents for PTSD sleep disturbances and the dissemination
of the findings to prescribers. The studies of prazosin and the findings of its
effectiveness for PTSD sleep disturbance are examples of studies of pharmacologic
agents needed in this area. Despite the progress made in developing more specific
treatments for sleep disturbances in PTSD, insomnia and nightmares may not fully
resolve.

Langue : ANGLAIS