For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Using written exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder
Using written exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder

Specialist GP Bruce Arroll has had experience using written exposure therapy for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and wants to share how it might be useful in primary care
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.
1. Oakley-Browne MA, Wells JE, Scott KM (eds). Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand Mental Health Survey. Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Health; 2006.
2. Sloan DM, Marx BP. An overview of written exposure therapy: A brief treatment for PTSD. Psychiatric Annals 2024;54(3):e70–74.
3. Cole TA, Reuman L, Lee DJ, et al. The effect of time since index trauma on trauma-related beliefs. Psychol Trauma 2024;16(2):331–39.