A Study of the Protective Function of Acute Morphine Administration on Subsequent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Background: To index the extent to which acute administration of morphine is protective against development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to hospital after traumatic injury (n = 155) were assessed for current psychiatric disorder, pain, and morphine dose in the initial week after injury and were reassessed for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders 3 months later (n = 120). Results: Seventeen patients (14%) met criteria for PTSD at 3 months. Patients who met criteria for PTSD received significantly less morphine than those who did not develop PTSD; there was no difference in morphine levels in those who did and did not develop major depressive ..