Psychostimulants for the Treatment of Comorbid Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a Patient With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Case Report and Literature Summary

Abstract

We present a case of a 35-year-old female with an extensive history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who experienced a traumatic sexual and physical assault and later developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The patient disclosed that her current medication (Vyvanse) used to treat ADHD has been the only treatment modality that has helped control her intrusive thoughts and nightmares. Decreased dopaminergic receptors are associated with developing PTSD and psychostimulants are known to have an effect of increasing Dopamine release. This case report shows promising results and potential off-label use of psychostimulants for the treatment of PTSD.