Specialist PTSD Assessment and Support
Someone suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often relives the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares and may feel isolated from others. It’s also not uncommon to experience irritability, guilt, or difficulty concentrating.
These symptoms can be severe enough to have a significant impact on daily life – affecting relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
What causes PTSD?
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing distressing events. Common causes include:
- Road accidents
- Violent personal assaults
- Severe neglect
- Witnessing violent deaths
- Being held hostage
- Terrorist attacks
- Prolonged sexual abuse or violence
- Natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods, etc.)
Diagnosis and treatment of PTSD
Our specialist psychiatrists can assess whether you are suffering from PTSD through structured interviews and comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
Medication may be recommended to help relieve emotional distress or numbness caused by traumatic memories.If you are referred for talking therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), medication may help you engage more effectively in your sessions.
What the PTSD Assessment Involves:
1. Initial Booking & Screening
You can book your assessment privately.
Before your appointment, you may be asked to complete pre-assessment questionnaires (e.g. trauma history or symptom checklists) to help your psychiatrist prepare.
2. Consultation
The assessment is carried out by a consultant psychiatrist with expertise in trauma-related disorders.
It involves a structured clinical interview, often using validated tools such as the CAPS-5 or PCL-5, depending on the clinician’s approach.
3. Outcome & Documentation
After your consultation, you’ll receive a formal written report including:
- Diagnostic formulation (whether PTSD criteria are met)
- Clinical impressions and relevant history
- Recommendations for treatment or further support
What Happens After the Assessment?
Treatment Options
Your psychiatrist will outline the next steps, which may include:
- Medication (if appropriate)
- Psychological therapies such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT
- Referral pathways (either back to NHS services or to private therapy providers)
- Lifestyle and self-management strategies
Follow-Up
You may choose to:
- Continue treatment privately with follow-up appointments, or
- Take your assessment report to your GP to access NHS support and therapy services
*Sharing with your GP:
By default, the report is shared with you. If you consent, it can also be sent to your GP or another healthcare provider – which is often recommended if medication, referrals, or NHS follow-up are advised.
