Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, causing persistent distressing symptoms that interfere with daily life.

• Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event
• Avoidance of reminders of the event, including places, people, or conversations
• Negative changes in mood or thinking, such as persistent negative beliefs, guilt, or emotional numbness
• Heightened alertness or reactivity, such as being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, or irritability
• Symptoms persisting for more than a month and causing significant distress or difficulty functioning

• Develops after exposure to a traumatic event, such as violence, serious accident, disaster, or other life-threatening or deeply distressing experience, either directly experienced or witnessed.
• Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD; risk is influenced by the severity and nature of the trauma, prior mental health history, and the level of support available afterward.

• Diagnosed through a detailed clinical history exploring the traumatic event and the specific pattern of intrusive, avoidance, mood, and arousal symptoms, together with their duration and impact on functioning.
• Screening for other commonly co-occurring conditions, such as depression or substance use, is often part of a thorough assessment.

Trauma-focused psychological therapy, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, is an effective, evidence-based first-line treatment for PTSD.

For moderate to severe symptoms, or when therapy access is limited, an antidepressant medicine (commonly an SSRI) may be used, either alongside or instead of therapy.

Building a safe, stable environment and social support are important parts of recovery.

Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm alongside PTSD symptoms should seek urgent support, as this requires prompt additional assessment.

• Seek support early after a traumatic event rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own.
• Build and maintain social support from trusted family, friends, or community.
• Engage with trauma-focused therapy where available, as early treatment is associated with better outcomes.
• Avoid using alcohol or other substances to cope with distressing memories, as this can worsen symptoms over time and create additional problems.