Post-traumatic stress disorder aggression

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) have been used in adults for a wide variety of disorders, including major depression, social anxiety (social phobia), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trichotillomania, and migraine headaches. Some of the specific SSRI agents have an approved indication in adults for some of these disorders, as reviewed later in this chapter. The SSRIs have also been tried in children and in adults for symptomatic treatment of pain syndromes, aggressive or irritable ( short fuse ) behavior, and for self-injurious and repetitive behaviors. This chapter will review general aspects of the SSRIs and discuss their approved indications in children and adolescents. 

Irritable aggression and intrusive thoughts in post-traumatic stress disorder are reduced by low-dose risperidone as adjunctive therapy, according to the results of a double-blind, randomized trial in 16 male combat veterans, who took either risperidone (n = 7 mean age 49 years) or placebo (n = 8 mean age 54 years) for 6 weeks one subject taking risperidone dropped out because of urinary retention (45). Concurrent antidepressant medication and anxiolytic drugs were allowed in both groups. 

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