MONOAMINE-OXIDASE INHIBITORS IN POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER - PROMISE AND PROBLEMS IN INDO-CHINESE SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA

An examination of the available literature supports the efficacy of mo noamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in treating posttraumatic stress di sorder (PTSD). This effect may or may not be independent of the respon se of symptoms of major depression; there is suggestive but inconclusi ve evidence supporting both. Additionally, evidence is accumulating th at the avoidance symptoms of PTSD respond less reliably to chemotherap y and may be less important in characterizing this entity than the int rusive recollection of traumatic events and hyperarousal symptoms; cli nical cases from the Indochinese Psychiatry Clinic support this assert ion. Concerns about the clinical use of MAOIs in the Indochinese popul ation are raised, as is work in progress on reversible inhibitors of m onoamine oxidase-A that may effectively address those concerns. A rece nt suggestion that PTSD may be one of a family of affective disorders is discussed in light of the treatment effects of MAOIs and clinical e xperience with Southeast Asian survivors of mass violence.