Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Referral criteria for specialist mental health services for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include:
- Referral is required for any further management after confirmation of PTSD diagnosis in primary care, including psychological therapy or drug treatment arranged by specialists NICE CKS.
- For people with clinically important PTSD symptoms that have persisted for more than one month after a traumatic event, offer referral to specialist mental health services for psychological therapy or drug treatment NICE CKS.
- For adults with clinically important PTSD symptoms where the traumatic event occurred within the last month, arrange specialist referral for psychological therapy or drug treatment NICE CKS.
- For children and young adults (aged 18 years and under) with clinically important symptoms, use clinical judgement to determine whether active monitoring or specialist referral is required; seek specialist advice if in doubt NICE CKS.
- Urgent (same day) referral to crisis resolution and home treatment teams is indicated if the person is considered at high risk of suicide, harm to self, or harm to others NICE CKS.
- Referral should also be considered if the person exhibits severe distress and/or functional impairment, co-morbid depression or other mental health disorders, or other concerns requiring specialist assessment NICE CKS.
- Armed forces veterans with service-related PTSD can be referred more rapidly under the veterans' priority scheme NICE CKS.
- Referral pathways should follow local policy and include assessment of safeguarding concerns for children or vulnerable adults NICE CKS.
Additional considerations: If referral is delayed or declined, consider treatment with antidepressants such as venlafaxine or SSRIs in adults, after discussing potential adverse effects NICE CKS.