Global Health Conference 2-1-14: Introduction To PTSD Simulation Exercise
Global Health Conference 2-1-14: Introduction To PTSD Simulation Exercise
Global Health Conference 2-1-14: Introduction To PTSD Simulation Exercise
Martin Klapheke, MD
Professor of Psychiatry
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Overview: Each Block will last approximately 50 minutes.
• Risk factors:
History of prior trauma or emotional problems
Female gender (appears in part due to greater exposure to some forms
of trauma).
severity of the trauma;
Persistent dissociation symptoms;
Acute Stress Disorder;
Imaging: Hippocampal volume and metabolic activity in limbic
regions especially the amygdala
Psychotherapy:
•Cognitive Processing Therapy is effective: see website
http://cpt.musc.edu
•Prolonged Exposure therapy is effective
Pharmacotherapy:
•Generally treated with an SSRI (re-experiencing symptoms such as
nightmares & flashbacks, hyperarousal and improve sleep,
avoidance/numbing symptoms): Sertraline, Paroxetine
•Venlafaxine also appears effective
•TCAs, MAOIs
•Alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin may intractable nightmares,
reexperiencing & hyperarousal symptoms
•Use of benzodiazepines controversial due to possible dissociation and
potential for dependence
•May need adjunctive antipsychotic, but try to keep any such use short-
term.