Effects of Escitalopram on Autonomic Function in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF).

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a chronic, debilitating condition that has become a growing concern among combat veterans. Previous research suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder disrupts normal autonomic responding and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Measures of heart rate variability and QT interval variability have been used extensively to characterize sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on heart rate in a variety of psychiatric populations. The objective of this study was to better understand the effects of pharmacological treatment on autonomic reactivity in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Design

A 12-week, Phase IV, prospective, open-label trial of escitalopram in veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress di

SUBMITTER: Ramaswamy S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4479359 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature