Effectiveness of stress disorder treatments under the microscope

A scientific review came out this past week that questioned the effectiveness of many treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With thousands of veterans returning from Iraq on a regular basis, the determination on what works and what does not is more important than ever.

One treatment, though, has been proven to work -- exposure therapies. This therapy simulates the conditions of trauma so that coping skills can be developed. But other than that, there is a lack of evidence for other therapies -- but that does not mean patients should give them up.

The report stated that therapy should not be discontinued for PTSD patients, saying that "we do the best we can with what we've got." However, the report also stated that "we need better," in reference to specific, verifiable treatments for PTSD.