PTSD is a debilitating psychiatric disorder caused by exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive memories of the traumatic experience, flashbacks and nightmares, as well as heightened anxiety and avoidance of trauma-related cues.
Are you or someone you know struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Researchers from Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Phoenix Australia, Austin Health and Ramsay Clinic Albert Road are partnering on an innovative study called the STOP Trial to investigate PTSD treatments.
Lead researcher Deakin Distinguished Professor Michael Berk, Director of IMPACT, suggests the current treatments for PTSD, including talking therapy and medications, help some people, but not everyone.
‘These treatments are helpful for some, however, talk therapy requires patients to engage with memories of their trauma. Many patients find this process distressing and struggle to tolerate it,’ he says.
‘Similarly, some patients do not benefit enough from medications or develop side effects.’
The Silexan in the Treatment of Posttraumatic stress disorder (STOP) trial aims to address the urgent need to develop a new treatment for PTSD that is effective and well tolerated by people with the disorder. The trial will explore if adding an over-the-counter medication containing lavender oil, Silexan, to existing treatment can improve the quality of life for sufferers.
Treating PTSD with anxiety medication
Silexan has good evidence for treating anxiety symptoms and depression.
‘Silexan is currently approved for use in Australia and is a safe, accessible, over-the-counter medication,’ Professor Berk explains.
‘We believe that it may also be effective in treating PTSD as sufferers display severe anxiety in response to trauma-related cues as well as symptoms of depression.
‘People with PTSD also experience chronic anxiety symptoms, including hypervigilance, irritability, impaired concentration, poor sleep and exaggerated startle response.
‘The presence of anxiety in PTSD symptoms suggests that Silexan treatment could be successful and pave the way for a new treatment option for PTSD.’
What’s involved in the study?
- The study will recruit 224 adults with symptoms of PTSD living in Victoria.
- After a baseline assessment, participants will be provided with either Silexan or a placebo (dummy pills) to take, in addition to their usual medications, for 12 weeks.
- Participants will be randomly assigned to Silexan or placebo and will not know which they are taking.
- Participants will be required to complete questionnaires every 2-4 weeks from baseline until week 16 (four weeks post-treatment).
- Participants can complete study visits in-person at the Phoenix Australia Traumatic Stress Clinic in Parkville, Melbourne or remotely via Zoom, or a combination of both.
More information
Find out more on the STOP Trial website or contact the study’s intake team on 1800 292 969 or at stop-trial@unimelb.edu.au. Please include ‘The STOP Trial’ in your email.
