The NICE Guidelines for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder state that:
PTSD can develop in people of any age following a stressful event or situation of an exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature
Symptoms often develop immediately after the traumatic event but the onset of symptoms may be delayed in some people
PTSD is treatable even when problems present many years after the event
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
