A New Pharmacological Treatment for PTSD Offers Hope
We’re excited to share that there’s promising progress in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A recent clinical trial in the US has found that combining two medications—brexpiprazole (a type of antipsychotic) and sertraline (a common antidepressant)—is significantly more effective at reducing PTSD symptoms than using sertraline alone, which is currently one of the standard treatments.
The study involved 416 adults with PTSD and showed that the combination therapy not only reduced core symptoms like flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of constant tension but also improved participants’ ability to function in daily life.
PTSD symptoms often fall into four categories: reliving the traumatic event (like flashbacks or nightmares), avoiding reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood or thoughts, and feeling constantly on edge. The trial found that the combination of brexpiprazole and sertraline made significant improvements in all these areas, providing hope for those who haven’t responded well to existing treatments.
What’s more, the medication was well-tolerated by most participants, with fewer people stopping the treatment due to side effects compared to the current standard. The study also highlighted that participants reported improved quality of life and daily functioning—a critical step forward in managing PTSD.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now reviewing this combination therapy. If approved, it will be the first new medication for PTSD in more than two decades, marking a significant advancement in how we treat this condition.
PTSD affects millions worldwide and can have a profound impact on people’s mental health, relationships, and daily lives. Current treatments, including therapy and medication, don’t always work for everyone, leaving many searching for alternatives. This new treatment offers a fresh approach and could be life-changing for those who’ve struggled to find relief.
As we await the FDA’s decision, the findings of this trial bring hope for a brighter future for those living with PTSD.
- Davis LL, Behl S, Lee D, et al. Brexpiprazole and Sertraline Combination Treatment in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online December 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3996
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Treatments for PTSD
It is possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help. For some, the first step may be watchful waiting, then exploring therapeutic options such as individual or group therapy – but the main treatment options in the UK are psychological treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting and understanding your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD. You can find out more in the links below, or here.