Trauma recovery requires specialised, evidence-based care. Your psychiatrist provides NICE NG116 guided trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, and pharmacotherapy to help you process traumatic experiences and reclaim your life.
3.9%Global prevalence of PTSDWHO, 2023
50-60%Of people experience trauma, but only 5-10% develop PTSDKessler et al., Archives of Gen Psychiatry
2xWomen are twice as likely to develop PTSDAPA & WHO Data
Understanding PTSD and Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. While many people experience distress after trauma, PTSD is distinguished by the persistence and severity of symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning weeks, months, or even years after the event.
NICE NG116 recommends that trauma-focused psychological therapies (TF-CBT or EMDR) should be offered as first-line treatment for PTSD, regardless of the time since the traumatic event. Pharmacotherapy with appropriate medication should be considered when psychological treatment is declined, not available, or insufficient.
NICE NG116 -- Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD can result from a single traumatic event or from repeated exposure to trauma (complex PTSD). Common causes include accidents, assault, combat, childhood abuse, natural disasters, and witnessing violence. The condition is not a sign of weakness -- it reflects how the brain processes and stores traumatic memories.
Signs and Symptoms
Intrusion Symptoms
Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories
Distressing dreams or nightmares related to the trauma
Flashbacks: feeling as if the traumatic event is happening again
Intense psychological distress at trauma-related cues
Avoidance and Negative Changes
Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, or reminders of the trauma
Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world
Emotional numbness or feeling detached from others
Inability to recall key aspects of the traumatic event
Diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities
Hyperarousal Symptoms
Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behaviour
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Our Treatment Approach
NICE NG116, APA, and WHO guidelines all agree that trauma-focused psychological therapies are the gold standard for PTSD treatment. TF-CBT and EMDR have the strongest evidence base. appropriate medication (medication and medication) are recommended when pharmacotherapy is indicated.
NICE NG116, APA Practice Guidelines & WHO mhGAP
1
Trauma-Informed Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation using validated trauma screening tools, detailed trauma history (with sensitivity to re-traumatisation), assessment of PTSD symptom clusters, comorbid conditions, and safety planning.
2
Trauma-Focused CBT
The first-line treatment per NICE NG116, involving psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring of trauma-related beliefs, gradual exposure to trauma memories and reminders, and development of adaptive coping strategies.
3
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing -- a structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. Recommended by NICE, APA, and WHO as an evidence-based alternative to TF-CBT.
4
Pharmacotherapy
appropriate medication (medication and medication) as first-line medications when pharmacotherapy is needed. These are recommended by NICE NG116 when psychological treatment alone is insufficient, declined, or unavailable.
5
Stabilisation & Recovery
Ongoing support including grounding techniques, sleep hygiene, stress management, addressing comorbid depression or substance use, and gradual re-engagement with meaningful life activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is normal to experience distress after trauma. NICE NG116 recommends active monitoring during the first month, as many people recover naturally. If symptoms persist beyond one month and significantly interfere with daily life, professional assessment is recommended. However, help can be sought at any time -- even years after the event.
Complex PTSD (recognised in ICD-11) develops following prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or domestic violence. In addition to core PTSD symptoms, complex PTSD involves difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception (persistent feelings of worthlessness or shame), and interpersonal relationships.
Trauma-focused therapies involve processing traumatic memories in a safe, controlled, and gradual manner. You will never be forced to share more than you are ready to. Treatment proceeds at your pace, with the therapist ensuring you feel grounded and safe throughout the process.
While 50-60% of people experience at least one traumatic event, only 5-10% develop PTSD. Risk factors include the severity and duration of trauma, prior trauma history, lack of social support, pre-existing mental health conditions, and genetic predisposition. Women are approximately twice as likely to develop PTSD as men.
NICE NG116 recommends trauma-focused psychological therapy as the primary treatment. appropriate medication can be effective, particularly for managing associated symptoms like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. The best outcomes are often achieved through a combination of therapy and medication when needed.
Healing from Trauma Is Possible
PTSD is highly treatable with the right professional support. You do not have to carry the weight of trauma alone. Evidence-based treatment can help you process, heal, and move forward.