While psychotropic medications have been used
in the treatment of PTSD, antidepressant
medications are the most commonly prescribed.
The more recently developed SSRIs are showing
promise as effective medications with lower
side-effect profiles. Depending on the clinical
presentation, other drugs may be useful in
targeting specific symptoms.
When prescribing antidepressants in PTSD, it is
important to ensure that the dose is sufficiently
high to optimise the therapeutic effect. Also,
patients should be advised that they may have to
remain on the medication for some time.
Experience has shown that patients are highly
vulnerable to relapse for months, even years in
some cases, post-trauma.
Referral for Specialist Help
If the patient is not showing signs of recovery,
referral to a specialist mental health practitioner
may be indicated. Intensive treatment is likely to
cover many of the domains discussed above.
Several techniques may be employed including
cognitive-behavioural and brief psychodynamic
approaches, hypnosis and EMDR. Each requires
specialist training and should occur in the context
of a multi-component approach.
WHERE CAN I REFER?
You may wish to refer straight to a psychiatrist,
clinical psychologist or other mental health
professional specialising in traumatic stress.
Depending on the nature of the trauma, specialist
services (such as sexual assault centres and torture
foundations) are available in most states. Each state
Posttraumatic
has a Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service (VVCS);
they may be able to provide advice even if the
patient is not a veteran.The Australian Centre may
Stress Disorder
be able to help with a suitable referral.
Regardless of the particular approach to treatment, it
INFORMATION FOR
should be remembered that each individual will have
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
a unique response to their experience and to any
intervention that might be applied. It is important to
adapt these general guidelines to the specific needs
of the individual concerned.
The Treatment
of PTSD
No 4 in the PTSD series of
Australian Centre brochures
To find out more about PTSD, other veteran
and military mental health issues or the
Australian Centre, please contact us at:
AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR POSTTRAUMATIC
MENTAL HEALTH (INC.)
A&RMC, 300 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg Heights
3081 AUSTRALIA.
Telephone: (03) 9496 2922
Facsimile: (03) 9496 2830
Email: acpmh-info@unimelb.edu.au
WebSite: www.acpmh.unimelb.edu.au

What is PTSD?
P OSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
(PTSD) is a psychological reaction to
experience of overwhelming traumatic
events. It can affect people of any age,
culture or gender.
The symptoms of PTSD include intrusive
memories, avoidance, numbing and hyperarousal.
The disorder can be associated with great distress
and interfere with relationships and work
performance.
Psychological Interventions
Not all people who experience trauma require
treatment and many are able to deal with their
experience(s) with the support of family and
friends. Severe traumatic events rarely leave the
individual untouched and many people benefit from
professional help in recovering from the effects of
trauma.
As a general rule, the sooner people receive
treatment, the more likely they are to recover.
Cases of chronic PTSD (more than 3 months
duration) should be referred to mental health
professionals experienced in the treatment of
PTSD. However, there is much that other health
professionals can do to help, particularly in the
early stages.
Phases of Treatment
In assisting survivors of trauma, it is common to
work through several phases of treatment in a
specific order.These phases may be summarised as:
● Support and stabilisation
● Education
● Stress management
● Trauma focus: confronting the memories
● Relapse prevention
● Follow-up and maintenance
How Can I Help?
SUPPORT AND STABILISATION
Provide advice on practical issues.This may involve
establishing realistic short and medium-term goals
and assisting with problem solving. A key focus
should be to encourage individuals to return to
their normal activities or routine.This should occur
at a gentle pace as soon as possible. Attention
should be paid to minimising alcohol and drug use
at this stage, with a referral for specialist treatment
if required.
EDUCATION
Provide information about typical traumatic stress
symptoms and reassurance that reactions are
normal (see other brochures in this series).
Try to promote expectations of recovery.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Provide advice on simple stress management
strategies such as aerobic exercise and distraction
techniques.You may wish to try more specific
techniques such as deep muscle relaxation and
breathing retraining. Practical advice around issues
such as sleep and diet - especially reducing
stimulants like caffeine and nicotine - will often be
useful here.
TRAUMA FOCUS WORK
If you have sufficient time, provide opportunities to
discuss the traumatic experience.This enables the
person to confront the painful memories and their
associated feelings in a safe environment and to
reflect on the meaning of the event.The goal is to
remember what happened without being
overwhelmed by distress. Equally, be aware that
not everyone will be ready to talk about the
trauma at the same time.
RELAPSE PREVENTION &
MAINTENANCE
Recognise that recovery from trauma is a long
process that may, for some people, take several
years.The survivor may require your support from
time to time, especially during periods of crisis.
Pharmacological Interventions
Medication can be an important adjunct of
treatment for PTSD. It also has an important role in
the management of comorbid conditions associated
with PTSD. As a general rule however, it may be
best to avoid medication in the first few weeks
(especially benzodiazepines).