Medication and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Insufficient evidence – there either hasn’t been any research on this treatment option or there is a small amount of evidence with unclear conclusions.
Several studies have tested medications to treat PTSD. None of them have good evidence that they can help, so your professional should not recommend medication as a first treatment option for PTSD.
PTSD can often cause other difficulties, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. Your professional may suggest treating symptoms of these conditions with medication, as there is more evidence that medication can help.
Treatments outlined on these webpages may not be available in every local area. It’s important that you discuss with your GP or mental health professional the treatment options available to you. You can also search for services near you on our Youth Wellbeing Directory and find out more about referral processes here.