Citation

Sher L. Expert Rev. Neurother. 2010; 10(8): 1233-1235.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Future Science Group)

DOI

10.1586/ern.10.114

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequent and severe disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. People with PTSD suffer from a range of symptoms that interfere with their capacities to enjoy normal life. Post-traumatic stress disorder is frequently comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Multiple lines of evidence suggest an important relationship between PTSD and suicidal behavior. This association has been observed both in clinical and in general population samples, and is irrespective of the type of trauma that led to PTSD. High rates of suicidal behavior have been found among PTSD patients exposed to combat trauma, physical or sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and natural disasters. Neurobiological changes observed in PTSD include alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, increased noradrenergic activity, and changes in the serotonergic and other neurotransmitter systems. Further studies of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of PTSD may help to develop new modalities to treat PTSD and suicidal behavior in persons with PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)