1. Take the PTSD Quiz!
2. Stress-Reducing Foods Slideshow
3. Take the Panic Attacks Quiz!

Medical Author:

Maria Pease, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Some people require medication to help them with their anxiety and depression from PTSD.

First-line treatments are the antidepressant class of medications. Two medications, sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. There are many other antidepressants that are used in clinical practice for PTSD as well.

For children, there is not strong evidence for the use of antidepressants. There is limited evidence for the use of arousal-dampening medicines such an antiadrenergic medications (for example, clonidine or propranolol) as well as for the use of other medications. You should consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist for further information.

Must Read Articles Related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, fear, or worry. Some fears and worries are justified, such as worry about a loved one. Anxiety may occur without a cause, ...learn more >>

Depression Depression is a mental illness that affects 19 million Americans annually. Causes are genetic, environmental, and biological. Symptoms and signs include weight ...learn more >>

Grief and Bereavement Grief is our personal experience of loss. Mourning is a public expression of our grief. Bereavement is the period after a loss during which mourning occurs (usu...learn more >>

See the Entire Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Topic Guide »