Which treatment option is generally avoided in patients diagnosed with PTSD due to its side effects?

Benzodiazepines are generally avoided in patients diagnosed with PTSD primarily due to their side effects and potential for dependency. While they are effective for short-term management of anxiety symptoms, their long-term use is discouraged because they can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, benzodiazepines may impair cognitive function and memory, which can exacerbate the issues faced by individuals with PTSD, as these patients often struggle with memory and processing traumatic events.

In contrast, psychotherapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line treatments for PTSD and are supported by research for their effectiveness and favorable safety profiles. Atypical antipsychotics can be used in some cases, but their use is more reserved for specific symptoms or treatment-resistant cases. Thus, benzodiazepines represent a treatment option that poses more risks than benefits for individuals with PTSD, leading to their recommendation against in this context.