اثر پرازوسين بر كابوسهاي شبانه اختلال استرس پس از سانحه جنگ

The Effect of Prazosin on Combat Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Nightmares

Introduction: Several studies have shown noradrenergic system hyperactivity in posttraumatic stress disorder. Four Vietnam combat veterans with chronic PTSD, prescribed prazosin a 1 - adrenergic receptor antagonist reported reduction or completly elimination of combat trauma nightmares. This study prompted an open trial of prazosin for Iran & Iraq combat PTSD patients nightmares. Method: Twenty two male and married patients with chronic DSM IV PTSD and combat trauma related nightmares participated in an 8-week Before - After open trial. The exclusion criteria included current substance abuse or dependency, psychotic disorders and any medical condition that contraindicated the use of prazosin. Results: Six patients were withdrown from the study because of Prazosin side effects. In reminders average of nightmare severity reduced from 6.75 to 3.56 which was statistically significant. (p<0.0O1). Discussion & Conclusion: The association between prazosin administration and reduction of PTSD nightmare severity suggested possible efficacy of a - adrenergic receptor blockade for this PTSD symptom.