Posttraumatic stress disorder in different types of stressful influences
Two types of stressful influences--the participation in combat actions and the liquidation of the Chernobyl accident consequences have been compared. Thirty combatants and 33 liquidators were followed up 5-6 and 15-17 years after the extreme situation. Clinical presentations have been analyzed using main criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), i.e. immersion in the experiences, avoidance, hyperactivity and social functioning. Common and peculiar presentations depending on the stress character have been found. Patients received coaxil in dosage 37.5 mg daily during 4 weeks. In both groups, the drug exerted the highest effect on symptoms of immersion and hyperactivity that improved the social adaptation. Avoidance symptoms were more resistant. It has been concluded that coaxil is an effective medication for the treatment of different PTSD types.