The Guidelines recommend that:

    • Treatment for PTSD should not start until 4 weeks after the trauma, although support and information can be offered within these
    • You should not be offered a single session of psychological therapy
    • When symptoms of PTSD are present you should be offered 8-12 sessions of trauma-focussed CBT, regardless of the time elapsed since the trauma
    • It should be ensured that psychological treatment is regular and continuous (usually at least once a week) and is delivered by the same person
    • Only psychological treatments that are designed for PTSD should be used to treat PTSD. There is no evidence at the moment to show that non-trauma-focussed interventions such as relaxation or non-directive therapy can help people with PTSD
    • Medication should not be offered as routine first-line treatment for adult PTSD sufferers
    • More than 12 sessions of psychological treatment may be needed if:
      • There have been multiple traumatic events
      • After traumatic bereavement
      • Where chronic disability results from the trauma
      • When significant co-morbid disorders or social problems are present
    • Children and young people should be offered trauma-focussed CBT adapted as needed to suit their age, circumstances and level of development
    • Families should be involved in the treatment of children and young people where appropriate
    • PTSD sufferers should be given information about effective treatment and their preferences taken into account. People should be allowed to reach informed decisions about their own care
    • The impact of the traumatic event on all family members should be assessed and appropriate support provided