Effect of cyproheptadine on combat related posttraumatic stress disorder nightmares

Recent studies have shown the role of serotonergic system in posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. Terazodone and nefazodone [5HT[2] receptor antagonists] ameliorated PTSD nightmares but the reports are mixed. This study prompted an open trial of cyproheptadine for Iran versus Iraq combat PTSD patient nightmares. 25 patients studied in an eight-week, before-after trial of cyproheptadine. The participants were male and chronic PTSD patients with combat related nightmare. The exclusion criteria included current substance abuse or dependence, psychotic disorders and any medical condition that contraindicated the use of cyproheptadine. Five patients were excluded from the study because of side effects including dizziness and somnolence. Twenty patients completed the study. Average of nightmare severity decreased from 6.85 to 5.05, which was statistically significant [P<0.01] The data suggest that cyproheptadine, as a 5HT[2] antagonist, may be effective in treament of PTSD nightmare

Training families to better manage schizophrenics' behaviour

The influential role of family in the outcome of chronic schizophrenia is well documented. Because families have become the primary caretakers, this study was designed to train parents of chronic schizophrenics to better manage their offspring. The sample comprised 40 parents whose offspring were admitted to a psychiatric ward from April to June 1996. A self-developed index [Patient Management Skills] was used to measure changes in the parents' expertise in handling their children before and after a 1-month training programme. After training, more parents had the necessary skills to manage the verbal and non-verbal behaviours of their children. Our results bear out the importance of the family's supportive role in producing a better outcome for schizophrenic patients