Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children Medication

Updated: Dec 02, 2021
  • Author: Roy H Lubit, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Caroly Pataki, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Current research indicates that SSRIs, prazosin, and propranolol may be helpful in the treatment of PTSD in adults. Benzodiazepines are often used, but present significant risks especially to the elderly, individuals with comorbid substance abuse histories, and those with traumatic brain injury. The author is not aware of sufficient research on medication for PTSD in children to justify their use specifially for PTSD symptoms in this population. As children move through adolescence and become more like adults, consideration of medications used in adults for PTSD is a reasonable option.