The more recently developed SSRI antidepressants show some promise as effective medications with lower side-effect profiles. 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. 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.
Each requires specialist training and should occur in the context of a multi-component approach. You may wish to refer straight to a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or other mental health professional specialising in traumatic stress. Finally, the Australian Centre may be able to help with a suitable referral. Regardless of the particular approach to treatment, it should be remembered that each individual will have 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.