The purpose of this study is to examine the short-term consequences of trauma and to
determine the effectiveness of the drug sertraline in preventing and treating post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms.
ASD and PTSD are common consequences of exposure to traumatic events. Despite growing
evidence of neurobiological dysfunction in ASD and PTSD, the origin of these disorders is
still unknown. This study will attempt to identify psychophysiological markers of ASD and
find an effective treatment for its symptoms.
Victims of serious motor vehicle collisions will be evaluated with clinical assessments and
standardized questionnaires within 2 weeks after the accident. Symptoms of exaggerated
startle, emotional reactivity to trauma-related and trauma-unrelated cues, and cerebellum
functioning will be evaluated. Participants will be randomized to receive either sertraline
or placebo (an inactive sugar pill) for 8 weeks. Psychometric testing and psychological
evaluations will be conducted 4, 10, and 14 weeks after the accident and after a 2-week taper
of the study medication.