Legal Commentary

Morphine Found to Help PTSD Victims

By Jeralyn

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine finds morphine and other opioids are effective in treating PTSD, particularly right after the traumatic event.

In a large study of combat casualties in Iraq, Navy researchers reported Wednesday that prompt treatment with morphine cut in half the chances that troops would develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress later on. Other opiates are likely to have similar effects, experts said.

In previous work, researchers had found that larger doses of morphine given to children with severe burns also reduced post-traumatic symptoms, like flashbacks, depression and jumpiness. These symptoms have become lasting in about one in eight service members returning from Iraq.

The results of the study could have wider-ranging impacts -- such as with victims of rape and muggings. The study is here. It concludes: [More...]

In conclusion, our findings suggest that the use of morphine after serious injury may be a first-line defense against the development of PTSD. Furthermore, the effect of morphine observed in our study may not be specific to morphine and is likely to be seen with other, related opiates. Our data support the idea that the administration of morphine for optimal control of pain and anxiety after injury may reduce the risk of PTSD.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on January 13, 2010 (boomark / email).