Nice Guidlines

For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The NICE Guidelines for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder state that:

This guideline covers recognising, assessing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children, young people and adults. It aims to improve quality of life by reducing symptoms of PTSD such as anxiety, sleep problems and difficulties with concentration. Recommendations also aim to raise awareness of the condition and improve coordination of care.

How PTSD Occurs

PTSD can develop in people of any age following a stressful event or situation of an exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature.

Recognising PTSD

Symptoms often develop immediately after the traumatic event but the onset of symptoms may be delayed in some people.

Treating PTSD

PTSD is treatable even when problems present many years after the event.

The Guidelines recommend that:

Our counselling and therapy treatments that relate to PTSD follow the NHS’ recommended NICE Guidelines.
Below we explain those guidelines.

Treatment

Treatment for PTSD should not start until 4 weeks after the trauma, although support and information can be offered within these.

Treatment

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

Treatment

It should be ensured that psychological treatment is regular and continuous (usually at least once a week) and is delivered by the same person.

Treatment

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.

Treatment

Medication should not be offered as routine first-line treatment for adult PTSD sufferers.

Treatment

You should not be offered a single session of psychological therapy.

More than 12 sessions of psychological treatment may be needed if:

Treatment

There have been multiple traumatic events.

Treatment

After traumatic bereavement.

Treatment

Where chronic disability results from the trauma.

Treatment

When significant co-morbid disorders or social problems are present.

Treatment

Children and young people should be offered trauma-focussed CBT adapted as needed to suit their age, circumstances and level of development.

Treatment

Families should be involved in the treatment of children and young people where appropriate.

Treatment

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.

Treatment

The impact of the traumatic event on all family members should be assessed and appropriate support provided.

Further Information:

More Information On NICE
Download NICE Guidlines PDF